What is the capital of Malawi?

What is the capital of Malawi? Lilongwe is the capital and largest city of Malawi.

Lilongwe lies in Malawi’s Central Region on a plateau near the borders with Zambia and Mozambique. The settlement was established as a boma, or administrative post, around 1902 and became an administrative centre soon afterward. Its location along important roads helped it develop into a regional market and transport hub.

After Malawi gained independence in 1964, President Hastings Kamuzu Banda promoted Lilongwe as a growth centre for the northern and central parts of the country. Lilongwe officially became the national capital on 1 January 1975, replacing Zomba in the south. Government offices were moved gradually, with the last major offices relocating in 2005.

Zomba remains an important historic and administrative city, which is why it is sometimes mistaken for the capital. Lilongwe is now the seat of Malawi’s government and parliament, while Blantyre remains a major commercial centre. The city’s name comes from the Lilongwe River.