Malawi

As of the end of December 2024, Malawi hosts 56,779 people forcibly displaced. The majority of them are refugees and asylum-seekers from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, followed by Burundi, Rwanda, Somalia and Ethiopia.

Most refugees reside in Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Dowa District, approximately 41 km from the capital, Lilongwe. Originally established to accommodate up to 12,000 people, Dzaleka now hosts over 52,000 individuals, making it a protracted and overcrowded settlement. On average, 300 new arrivals are registered monthly – predominantly from the DRC, Burundi, and Rwanda. Women and children make up 93% of the camp population.

In 2024, Malawi continued to face complex displacement challenges driven by political, economic, and social pressures. The sharp devaluation of the currency in late 2023 worsened food insecurity for both refugees and host communities, while financial and logistical constraints limited the government’s ability to respond. Despite these challenges, UNHCR and partners continued to provide protection, health care, education, cash assistance, and core relief items, particularly in urban settings.

Dzaleka also became a hotspot for human trafficking, prompting security interventions to protect refugees from criminal networks. Mixed migration trends continued, with some refugees moving onward in search of better opportunities. To address overcrowding, the Government of Malawi identified a new site in Chitipa District, in the country’s north, for the development of a new refugee settlement.

Looking ahead, UNHCR will continue efforts to support refugee inclusion, build resilience, and foster peaceful coexistence with host communities. Participatory findings will guide evidence-based planning and resource allocation, ensuring responses remain community-driven, inclusive, and impactful – supporting both immediate needs and long-term development goals.

The operations in Malawi are coordinated by the Zambia multi-country office.