About Malawi
Overview
Malawi, a landlocked country in southeastern Africa, is defined by its topography of highlands split by the Great Rift Valley and enormous Lake Malawi. The lake’s southern end falls within Lake Malawi National Park – sheltering diverse wildlife from colorful fish to baboons – and its clear waters are popular for diving and boating. Peninsular Cape Maclear is known for its beach resorts.
Capital: Lilongwe
Currency: Malawian Kwacha
Official language: English
Population: 19.89 million (2021) World Bank
❖ Local time
The time zone in Malawi is Central African Time (CAT), which is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+2).
❖ Weather
Lilongwe generally has high temperatures in May, with maximum daytime temperatures around 26 degrees Celsius and minimum nighttime temperatures around 14 degrees Celsius with low monthly rainfall. On average, the conditions are perfect in May.
❖ Telecommunications
The country code for Malawi is +265. Malawi has the following mobile phone providers: Airtel Malawi (09), and TNM Malawi (08). Sim cards are available for purchase from vendors at the airport, at major shopping centers and malls and the hotel’s business centers.
❖ Internet
Internet access will be available at the conference venue as well as at the hotel rooms.
❖ Health Requirements
To visit Malawi, you will need to fulfill some health requirements for your safety and for the safety of locals. Kindly visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory for travelers arriving from countries with a risk for yellow fever.
Note: For more details about vaccines for international travelers, please visit www.who.int
❖ Voltage
The standard Voltage in Malawi is 220 Volts. You can use your electric appliances if the standard voltage in your country is between 220 – 240 V. Power plugs and common sockets are of the G type.
❖ Currency
The Malawi Kwacha is the legal currency of exchange. Money can be changed in banks, forex bureaus and other accredited points such as the airport and hotels. Credit cards (Master Card, Visa), and cash (US Dollars, Euros) are accepted by major hotels around the country.
Banking hours are 08:00 am – 3:00 pm from Monday to Friday and 08:00 am – 11:00 am on Saturdays. ATM Machines are available in branches of major banks and VISA cards are accepted. The exchange rate is approximately 1 USD = MWK1,770 (January 2024)
❖ Language
Malawi’s official language is English, which is used to conduct business, government meetings and education. However, Malawi is home to many tribes who have settled in the land over centuries and has resulted in a mixture of about 16 languages including Chichewa, Yao, Tumbuka, Lomwe, Nyakyusa-Ngonde, and Sena
❖ Culture
Traditional dance and music play a significant role in the Malawian culture.
Wednesday 22nd May is scheduled as Malawi Day, and we encourage participants to wear their traditional attire/ankara.
❖ Safety
Malawi is known as the warmth of Africa for its hospitality and welcoming citizens. We ask all of our guests to be vigilant, keep your valuables in your front pockets. Do not walk late at night – please use the taxis or call for your taxi using ride hailing apps. While you are at the conference, please ensure that you:
- Always wear your badge in a visible manner
- Do not leave bags and parcels unattended, as they may be confiscated or destroyed
- Do not bring unauthorized persons to the Conference venue
- Look after your valuables
- Check that you have all your documents and personal items before you leave the conference halls and meeting rooms
- Inform the event staff if you lose anything valuable
