“Thyolo Rising: From Tea Hills to Inclusive Prosperity.”
“UTM will transform Thyolo into a sustainable agricultural, tourism, and forestry hub — where youth, land, and enterprise drive a new era of rural wealth.”
— Dr. Dalitso Kabambe, UTM Presidential Candidate 2025
Thyolo is one of Malawi’s most iconic districts — its mist-covered tea estates, rolling green hills, and proximity to Blantyre give it both symbolic and strategic significance. Yet beneath this beauty lies hardship: most residents are landless, underemployed, and disconnected from the wealth their land generates. UTM envisions a new Thyolo — one that reclaims land for productive community use, builds smart towns, revitalizes the tea industry with value addition, and empowers youth as forest and tourism custodians.
Core Vision
Context & Challenges:
Thyolo’s terrain is rich and fertile, but its people face land scarcity and poor market access. Historic estate systems have left many communities without secure land, limiting commercial agriculture despite strong demand.
UTM Pledges:
Investment: MWK 110 Billion
Jobs: 6,500
Output: 220,000 MT of high-value produce
Impact: Community wealth from export crops; women/youth-led co-ops emerge
Context & Challenges:
Despite suitable conditions, livestock systems are minimal. Most keep a few goats or chickens, and improved breeds are rare.
UTM Pledges:
Investment: MWK 30 Billion
Jobs: 3,500
Output: Meat, eggs, hides, animal feed
Impact: Enhanced protein access, youth-led livestock business growth
Context & Challenges:
Despite suitable conditions, livestock systems are minimal. Most keep a few goats or chickens, and improved breeds are rare.
UTM Pledges:
Investment: MWK 30 Billion
Jobs: 3,500
Output: Meat, eggs, hides, animal feed
Impact: Enhanced protein access, youth-led livestock business growth
Context & Challenges:
Thyolo’s highland beauty remains untapped. There are no structured hiking trails, lodges, or tourism infrastructure showcasing its landscape, tea heritage, or colonial history.
UTM Pledges:
Investment: MWK 40 Billion
Jobs: 4,500
Visitors: 80,000/year
Revenue: MWK 12 Billion/year
Impact: Youth jobs in hospitality; tea-tourism brand; global recognition
Context & Challenges:
Feeder roads are often washed out. Market access is difficult during rains, and there is low digital inclusion.
UTM Pledges:
Investment: MWK 90 Billion
Jobs: 3,500
Impact: Market access year-round; e-learning and smart services
Context & Challenges:
Population pressures and poor planning in Thyolo Boma and rural towns have led to congestion, poor sanitation, and youth outmigration.
UTM Pledges:
Investment: MWK 40 Billion
Jobs: 2,200
Impact: Livable towns, dignified housing, and urban renewal
Context & Challenges:
Thyolo faces high maternal deaths and limited health infrastructure. Its youth lack technical and business skills training centres.
UTM Pledges:
Investment: MWK 30 Billion
Jobs: 2,000
Annual Output: 1,800 youth trained
Impact: Safer childbirth, skilled youth, stronger public health
Context & Challenges:
Tea estates have displaced forests, and firewood dependency is high. Deforestation continues despite known erosion and climate risks.
UTM Pledges:
Investment: MWK 25 Billion
Jobs: 1,200
Impact: Youth green wealth, climate protection, eco-farming
To transform Thyolo from a land of untapped beauty to an engine of rural prosperity, UTM will operationalize a bold MK500 Billion District Development Fund. This fund is not just about financing—it is about dignity, delivery, and decentralization. The Fund will be administered through a professionally-run, politically neutral Thyolo District Development Agency (TDDA) and will channel resources directly to priority projects that uplift livelihoods and local economic ecosystems.
Strategic Priorities:
Projected Results (by 2030):
| Sector | Investment (MWK) | Jobs Created | Key Outputs / Benefits |
| Mega Farms & Agro-Processing | 110 Billion | 6,500 | 220,000 MT produce, land access, youth/women co-ops |
| Livestock & Animal Husbandry | 30 Billion | 3,500 | Meat, eggs, hides, hatcheries, livestock zones |
| Tourism, Culture & Recreation | 40 Billion | 4,500 | 80,000 tourists/year, heritage, tea-tourism |
| Infrastructure & Smart Connectivity | 90 Billion | 3,500 | Roads, fibre internet, solar mini-grids |
| Smart Housing & Town Development | 40 Billion | 2,200 | 2,000 smart homes, civic centres, livable towns |
| Health, Education & Youth Skills | 30 Billion | 2,000 | Hospital upgrade, new college, trained youth |
| Forestry & Climate Resilience | 25 Billion | 1,200 | 10,000 ha reforested, 5,000 ha youth forests, briquettes |
| MK500B District Development Fund | 500 Billion | 21,000 | Fast-tracked projects in all sectors, youth-led delivery |
| TOTAL | 865 Billion | 44,400 | Land justice, agro-jobs, tourism economy, youth ownership |
