REVOLUTIONIZING MALAWI’S TRANSPORT SYSTEM: CONNECTING
PEOPLE, BUSINESSES, PLACES, AND PROGRESS
9.1 Overview: Passive and unambitious leadership Malawi’s progress hinges on its ability to move goods, people, and services efficiently. Yet, the current state of our transport infrastructure is a barrier to economic growth, regional trade, and social mobility. Outdated systems, poor maintenance, and limited connectivity have stifled progress in agriculture, tourism,
trade, industry, and energy.Challenges facing Malawi’s transport system include:

• Passive and unambitious leadership: failing to create conducive enough
  environments for transport and industrial growth, hindering progress and investment
• Outdated and poorly maintained infrastructure: Roads, railways, and airports fail to meet modern standards for safety and efficiency.
• Limited rural connectivity: Many rural areas remain inaccessible, hindering economic opportunities and social services.
• High transport costs: Poor infrastructure and inefficient systems drive up the cost of goods and services
• Underdeveloped rail and water transport: Over-reliance on road transport leads to congestion and limits the potential of railways and waterways.
• Limited regional integration: Insufficient links with neighboring countries reduce Malawi’s ability to participate effectively in regional trade.
• Inadequate urban transport systems: Traffic congestion in cities like Lilongwe and Blantyre lowers productivity and quality of life.Aligned with MW2063’s pillars of Economic Resilience, Urbanization, and Environmental Sustainability, and leveraging enablers such as Technology Adoption, Private Sector Dynamism, and Governance, UTM’s vision for transport is to transform Malawi’s infrastructure into a modern, efficient, and integrated network.

9.2 UTM Pledges: TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE Target Milestone: UTM  aims to create a transport sector that will contribute and facilitate up to 15% of Malawi’s GDP by 2035, positioning the country as a regional leader in efficient and sustainable connectivity.
9.2.1 Road Transport
Alignment with MW2063: Advances Urbanization and Economic Resilience by connecting rural and urban areas and improving market access.
UTM Pledges:

• Expand and Rehabilitate Road Networks: Rehabilitate and construct over 6,000 km of roads within five years, prioritizing rural-urban connectivity.
• Modernize Urban Transport: Introduce modern electric buses and minibuses to alleviate congestion in Lilongwe, Blantyre, and Mzuzu.
• Highway Modernization: Dualize major highways, including the M1 and Lakeshore Road, and develop toll roads with revenuesharing models for district upgrades.
• Safe Pedestrian and Cyclist Infrastructure: Add bike lanes and pedestrian passages to key road networks to support non-motorized
  transport and save lives.
• Improved Road Standards: Set international construction standards for durability and safety, including minimum thickness
  specifications for roads and rubberized paint for markings.
• Transport Nodes: Transform bus stations into vibrant economic hubs managed through private sector partnerships.

9.2.2 Rail Transport
Alignment with MW2063: Boosts Economic Resilience and Regional Integration by modernizing and expanding rail systems.
UTM Pledges:

• Upgrade Existing Rail Infrastructure: Modernize tracks, freight facilities, and signaling systems to boost efficiency and safety.
• Expand the Rail Network: UTM Manifesto Pitch: The Lilongwe-Mzuzu-TAZARA Railway Project

9.2.3 Water Transport
Alignment with MW2063: Supports Economic Resilience and Environmental Sustainability by utilizing Lake Malawi for transport and trade.
UTM Pledges:

• Modernize Ports and Fleets: Upgrade port facilities on Lake Malawi to handle more cargo and improve safety.
• Invest in Modern Ferries: Enhance passenger and cargo services across the lake with state-of-the-art ferries.
• Blue Economy Development: Remove duties on boats and engines for five years to promote lake-based transport and tourism.
• Integrated Water and Land Transport Hubs: Create hubs that combine ports, bus stations, and rail terminals, complete with amenities like shops and restaurants.
• Regional Integration: Collaborate with Mozambique and Tanzania to establish seamless water trade routes.
  9.2.4 Air Transport
  Alignment with MW2063: Advances Urbanization and Private Sector Dynamism by improving air connectivity and developing the aviation sector.
  UTM Pledges:
• Modernize and Expand Airports: Upgrade Kamuzu and Chileka International Airports and begin construction of Mangochi (Chipembere) and Orton Chirwa International Airports by 2026.
• Increase Domestic Connectivity: Provide tax incentives for airlines to operate more domestic routes.
• Build Local Aviation Expertise: Establish an aviation training hub to develop skills for a self-sustaining aviation sector.
• Air Cargo Development: Expedite the issuance of an Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) to Air Cargo Malawi and support fleet expansion for efficient cargo transport.

9.3 Leveraging Transport for Economic Growth
Supporting Agriculture and Trade
Alignment with MW2063: Strengthens Economic Resilience by enhancing supply chain efficiency.
UTM Pledges:

• Enable seamless transport of goods from mega farms and smallholder farmers to local and international markets.
• Enhance export efficiency through better integration of road, rail, and port systems.Boosting Tourism
• Modern transport systems will connect key tourist destinations, encouraging more visitors to explore Malawi.Empowering Communities
• Improve rural connectivity to facilitate access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
  9.4 Estimated Investment and Funding Mechanisms
  Estimated Investment: $8-10 billion over the next decade for roads, railways, airports, and water transport systems. Funding Sources:
• Budget Allocation & Government Interventions: Allocate 10% of the annual budget to facilitate Transportation infrastructure – roads, rail, Air Cargo, Lake freight and related transport nodes
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Mobilize private sector participation for major infrastructure projects through diverse models such as Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) and concession agreements to ensure sustainability and shared benefits.
• Private Developers: Establish partnerships with private developers to design, build, and operate transport nodes such as bus and train stations. Alternatively, provide cities and districts with access to low-interest loans or grants to construct these nodes, while their management is handled through private concession agreements or parastatal oversight. This approach ensures high operational standards, financial sustainability, and efficient service delivery