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Malawi

Key statistics

56,779

people are identified as forcibly displaced in need of protection in the country by the end of 2024

35,518

people are identified by Government as registered refugees in the country by the end of 2024

$26.3 million

are needed this year to ensure that operations and programmes in Libya are sustained

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.

Strategy and results

This section provides key information related to the Global Appeal and Global Report.

Strategy

Latest multi-year strategy, outlining key priorities and a comprehensive overview of operational plans as part of the Global Appeal.

Download the strategy

Indicators and targets

Indicators and targets enable operations to establish their benchmarks and targets for comparison with results.

Download indicators and targets

Annual Results Report

Latest Annual Results Report highlighting key achievements from the year and published as part of the Global Report.

Download the ARR

Population and financial overview

Malawi

Use the year selector to access information from previous years.

Populations

Population types
Population by country
Population by origin

Financial

Budget and expenditure trend
Budget by pillar
Budget by objective
Expenditure by Outcome Area
Budget by Impact Area
Budget by Outcome and Enabling Areas
Budget by Impact Area
Budget by Impact Area
Budget by Outcome and Enabling Areas
Budget by Outcome and Enabling Areas
Budget by Impact Area
Budget by Outcome and Enabling Areas

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Strategy - Country

Strategy

For more information about our work in Malawi:

Are you looking for more data on displacement in Malawi?

Visit the UNHCR data portal for the latest data and statistics on refugees, stateless and other displaced persons.

Visit the Operational Data Portal

 

Refworld

Find legislation, case law and UNHCR policy relating to claims for international protection.

Visit Refworld

 

Office contact details

The UNHCR Representative in Malawi

Street Address:
8th Floor, Kang'ombe House, Robert Mugabe Crescent, City Centre, Lilongwe, Malawi

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 30230, Lilongwe, Malawi

Phone:
+265 177 2155

Fax:
+265 177 4128

Email:
[email protected]

Time zone:
GMT +2

Working hours

  • Monday: 7:30 - 17:00
  • Tuesday: 7:30 - 17:00
  • Wednesday: 7:30 - 17:00
  • Thursday: 7:30 - 17:00
  • Friday: 7:30 - 13:30
  • Saturday: closed
  • Sunday: closed