“Likoma Rising: The Jewel of Lake Malawi.”
“From Sacred Shores to a Global Island Destination — Likoma will lead Malawi’s Tourism and Blue Economy Transformation.”
— Dr. Dalitso Kabambe – UTM Presidential Candidate 2025
Context & Challenges:
Likoma and Chizumulu islands are some of Malawi’s most naturally beautiful and culturally rich locations, yet they remain among the most underdeveloped. Poor connectivity, limited basic services, and isolation from national programs have held the district back. Young people face unemployment, and most economic activity is informal or subsistence-based.
UTM’s Vision:
To reimagine Likoma as a world-class island economy—blending tourism, blue economy, and smart island living—with empowered communities in Mbamba, Chizumulu, Mtengula, and Boma zones. Likoma will rise as Malawi’s island jewel—globally recognized, digitally connected, and locally owned.
Targeted Areas: Cathedral Zone, Mbamba Bay, Mtengula Cliffs, Island Highlands, Chizumulu, Boma Waterfront
Context & Challenges:
Likoma has a unique natural and cultural offering—from the grand St. Peter’s Cathedral to the cliffs of Mtengula and the tranquil beaches of Mbamba and Chizumulu. However, tourism infrastructure is sparse, and the island has little capacity to host international visitors or events.
UTM Pledges:
Impact:
Targeted Nodes: Likoma Port, Likoma International Airport, Boma-Mbamba ferry hub, Chizumulu water taxi points
Context & Challenges:
Lack of reliable access has kept Likoma economically sidelined. The unfinished port and poor flight frequency limit mobility for goods, people, and services. Chizumulu residents face even steeper transport challenges, with no formal service links.
UTM Pledges:
Impact:
Zones: Calm waters between Chizumulu and Likoma, Inner Bays, East Shoreline
Context & Challenges:
Likoma’s waters are among the clearest and most biodiverse in Africa, yet most fishing remains traditional and unscalable. Artisanal fishers lack access to modern techniques, cold storage, and markets. Opportunities like seaweed farming remain untapped.
UTM Pledges:
Impact:
Locations: Mbamba, Boma Hillside, Chizumulu
Context & Challenges:
Most housing in Likoma is informal, unplanned, and energy-poor. Chizumulu is particularly vulnerable to overcrowding, while Mbamba and Boma Hillside lack market access and civic infrastructure. Without intervention, unregulated development will harm the island’s fragile ecosystem.
UTM Pledges:
Impact:
Sites: Likoma District Hospital, Chizumulu Health Post, Skills College Campus
Context & Challenges:
Healthcare remains a major gap, with pregnant women, infants, and emergencies facing high risks. Youth have few post-secondary options, and most schools lack internet or digital tools. Chizumulu is even more underserved.
UTM Pledges:
Impact:
Impact:
Sites: Island Forests, Shoreline Buffers, Mbamba and Chizumulu Communal Zones
Context & Challenges:
Likoma faces growing pressure on its environment from deforestation, unregulated waste, and climate shocks. Communities in Mbamba and Chizumulu face soil erosion, reduced biodiversity, and food insecurity.
UTM Pledges:
Impact:
Administered by: Likoma Island Development Authority (LIDA)
Coverage: All targeted zones — Mbamba, Mtengula, Boma, Chizumulu, Cathedral Zone, etc.
Context & Challenges:
Likoma has long depended on donor and church investments. Without a dedicated district development vehicle, projects have lacked coordination, transparency, or scale. Island priorities have often been overlooked in national planning.
UTM Pledges:
Strategic Priorities:
| Sector | Investment (MWK) | Jobs Created | Key Outputs | Impact |
| Tourism & Culture | 60 Billion | 6,000 | Golf course, Casinos, Festival, Heritage Park | 100K tourists/year; MWK 25B/year in revenue |
| Transport & Connectivity | 50 Billion | 2,500 | Port, Airport, Fibre, Ferries | Full island access; exports; digital economy |
| Aquaculture & Blue Economy | 30 Billion | 4,000 | Cage farms, Processing hub, Co-ops | 15,000MT fish; jobs; import substitution |
| Smart Housing & Urban Design | 400 Billion | 2,500 | 2,000 homes, SME zones, Civic Centre | Sustainable living; local enterprise |
| Health, Education & Digital | 25 Billion | 1,800 | Hospital, Skills College, Girls’ Boarding School | Skilled workforce; e-governance |
| Environment & Resilience | 10 Billion | 800 | Reforestation, Climate School, Compost | Food security; climate protection |
| Likoma District Dev’t Fund | 500 Billion | — | 5-Year Capital for all sectors | Local control, transparency, job creation |
| Total | 715 Billion | 17,600 |
Likoma Rising: The Jewel of Lake Malawi
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