The Republics of Zambia and Malawi have renewed their commitment to closer tourism collaboration after a high-level bilateral meeting held during Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026 in Durban, South Africa.
According to Efficacy News Africa, the Permanent Secretary in Zambia’s Ministry of Tourism, Evans Muhanga, met with Malawi’s Principal Secretary for Tourism under the Ministry of Industrialisation, Business, Trade and Tourism, Jeanie Mnyenyembe, to explore areas of enhanced collaboration between the two neighbouring countries.
Discussions focused on destination marketing, regional tourism promotion, investment opportunities, and the development of cross-border tourism products aimed at boosting visitor numbers and economic returns within the region. Mr Muhanga underscored the importance of regional integration in advancing the tourism sector, noting that closer cooperation would help position Southern Africa as a competitive global destination. “Zambia values its longstanding relationship with Malawi and believes that stronger cooperation in tourism will contribute significantly to economic growth, job creation, and increased tourist arrivals within the region. Through collaboration, we can unlock the vast tourism potential that our two countries possess,” he said.
He further highlighted the need to promote shared natural and cultural heritage, improve tourism connectivity, and increase joint participation in international tourism exhibitions and trade fairs. Both parties agreed on the establishment of a Joint Technical Committee to ensure sustained engagement and to coordinate the implementation of agreed areas of cooperation in the tourism sector. Malawi’s Principal Secretary for Tourism, Ms Mnyenyembe, described the engagement as timely and strategic in advancing regional tourism integration.
“We are encouraged by the spirit of cooperation between Malawi and Zambia. The establishment of a Joint Technical Committee will provide a practical platform for our teams to work together on tourism development initiatives, knowledge sharing, and joint marketing efforts that will benefit both countries,” she said.
