Lilongwe, Malawi – Rising water levels in Lake Malawi are posing a significant threat to Malawi’s tourism industry, a key driver of the country’s economy. The National Planning Commission (NPC) has warned that the surging waters have caused substantial damage to shoreline infrastructure, leading to a decline in tourism revenue.
According to a study by the NPC, the tourism sector, which contributes 6.7% to Malawi’s GDP, has contracted by 0.5% due to the impact of the rising lake levels. This translates to a loss of K6.3 billion in damages and K2.5 billion in lost revenue for hotel and lodge operators along the lake.
Dr. Andrew Jamali, Research Manager at the NPC, emphasized the urgent need for interventions to protect the tourism sector. He called for the establishment of a water management system, implementation of measures to safeguard economic activities, and stricter enforcement of environmental laws.
Dr. Jamali stressed the importance of a collaborative approach involving multiple government ministries to address the challenges posed by the rising water levels. He highlighted the need for infrastructure resilience and adherence to guidelines to balance the competing demands of tourism, energy production, and downstream livelihoods.
The NPC conducted the study in collaboration with the Malawi Tourism Council, the Department of Economic Planning and Development, the Department of Disaster Management Affairs, and the National Statistical Office. The research was undertaken to inform the implementation of the Malawi 2063 First 10-Year Implementation Plan.
