“Dedza Reimagined: From Plateau to Prosperity.”
Home of Art, Agriculture, and Altitude — UTM will turn Dedza into Malawi’s Cultural and Agro-Industrial Heart.
Dr. Dalitso Kabambe – UTM Presidential Candidate 2025
Context & Challenges
Dedza, perched on Malawi’s central escarpment and bordering Mozambique, is rich in cultural heritage, fertile soils, and scenic mountains. However, infrastructure remains poor, value chains are weak, and young people lack opportunities. Artisanal talent goes unsupported, agro-processing is minimal, and roads to neighbouring trade hubs are dilapidated.
UTM’s Vision
Under UTM leadership, Dedza will be transformed into a thriving district of eco-farming, artisan enterprise, tourism, and strategic logistics — powered by youth energy, digital infrastructure, and cross-border trade.
Core Vision:
Context & Challenges
Despite Dedza’s altitude and fertile valleys, agriculture is heavily rain-fed, limiting its potential. There is no large-scale cold storage, agro-processing, or export facility despite proximity to Lusaka and Maputo routes.
UTM Pledges
Locations: Linthipe, Bembeke, Mayani Plains
Investment: MWK 130 Billion
Jobs Created: 8,500
Output: 300,000 MT/year
Impact: Export food corridor, youth jobs, irrigation resilience
Context & Challenges
Livestock numbers are low and quality is inconsistent. There is no organized dairy or meat value chain, and veterinary coverage is poor.
UTM Pledges
Zones: Kachere, Lobi, Golomoti
Investment: MWK 40 Billion
Jobs Created: 3,500
Output: Milk, pork, beef, hides
Impact: Nutrition, women-led ranches, rural income
Context & Challenges
Dedza is home to Malawi’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site and globally recognized pottery artisanship. Yet the tourism and creative economy remain underdeveloped — with poor infrastructure, minimal marketing, and weak value chains. Cultural richness, including Ngoni and Chewa traditions, is not leveraged for economic benefit.
UTM Pledges
Anchors: Chongoni Rock Art, Dedza Pottery, Dedza Mountain, Bwanje Forest, Golomoti
Investment: MWK 40 Billion
Jobs Created: 3,000
Visitors: 70,000/year
Revenue: MWK 18 Billion/year
Impact: Artisan branding, cultural preservation, youth employment, creative export hub
Context & Challenges
East-west road links are crumbling, border systems are slow, and townships lack digital and energy infrastructure.
UTM Pledges
📍 Key Routes: Dedza–Lilongwe, Dedza–Salima, Rural Centres, Border Post
Investment: MWK 140 Billion
Jobs Created: 7,000
Impact: Seamless cross-border trade, digital economy, regional export growth
Context & Challenges
Unplanned growth, poor sanitation, and unaffordable housing constrain urban transformation in Dedza.
UTM Pledges
Locations: Dedza Boma, Bembeke, Kanyama
Investment: MWK 45 Billion
Jobs Created: 3,000
Impact: Smart towns, affordable housing, dignified trade
Context & Challenges
Dedza lacks advanced healthcare services and its youth migrate due to few vocational opportunities.
UTM Pledges
Sites: Dedza Hospital, Lobi Centre
Investment: MWK 30 Billion
Jobs Created: 2,500
Impact: Skills for growth, healthy population
Context & Challenges
Clay, stone and other resources are used informally with no coordinated quarry zones.
UTM Pledges
Sites: Mua Hills, Golomoti, Dedza Pottery
Investment: MWK 20 Billion
Jobs Created: 1,500
Impact: Affordable building materials, youth-led SMEs
Context & Challenges
Highland erosion, deforestation, and water stress threaten Dedza’s long-term viability.
UTM Pledges
Zones: Chongoni, Highlands, Riverbanks
Investment: MWK 15 Billion
Jobs Created: 1,200
Impact: Greener Dedza, climate-smart farming, water security
Context & Challenges
Underinvestment and lack of coordinated development planning has hindered Dedza for decades.
UTM Pledges
Managed by: Dedza District Development Authority (DDDA)
Strategic Priorities:
Results (2025–2030):
| Sector | Investment (MWK) | Jobs Created | Output/Impact |
| Mega Farms & Agro-Processing | 130 Billion | 8,500 | 300,000 MT/year |
| Livestock & Animal Husbandry | 40 Billion | 3,500 | Dairy, meat, hides |
| Tourism, Arts & Culture | 40 Billion | 3,000 | 70,000 tourists/year |
| Infrastructure & Connectivity | 110 Billion | 5,000 | Roads, fibre, solar access |
| Smart Housing & Urban Planning | 45 Billion | 3,000 | 3,000 eco-homes |
| Health, Education & Vocational Skills | 30 Billion | 2,500 | Hospital & skills colleges |
| Mining & Industrial Quarrying | 20 Billion | 1,500 | Cement, ceramics, pre-cast |
| Environment & Climate Action | 15 Billion | 1,200 | 10,000 ha reforestation |
| District Development Fund | 500 Billion | 48,000 | 4,200 SMEs, tripled GDP |
| TOTAL | 930 Billion | 76,200 | Smart Highlands Economy |
Dedza Reimagined: Malawi’s Highland of Prosperity and Purpose.
Vote UTM. Vote Dr. Dalitso Kabambe.
“Where Mountains Breathe Art. Where People Create Futures.”
