Malawi, situated in Africa, has waived visa requirements for citizens of 79 countries as part of its efforts to boost tourism

President Lazarus Chakwera announced to Parliament on Friday that Malawi is lifting visa requirements for visitors from 79 countries in a move aimed at bolstering tourism.

Tourism, ranking as the third-largest source of foreign currency in the economically challenged southern African nation after tobacco and tea, has been underperforming, according to Chakwera.

“Our country’s accessibility is a major contributing factor to this, which is why we have implemented the visa waiver program,” he emphasized.

Countries benefiting from the exemption include the United States, Britain, France, China, Russia, and members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), a regional bloc.

Tourism Minister Vera Kamtukule noted that cumbersome visa requirements had been stifling Malawi’s potential and had led to complaints. She explained that the country’s strategy is to attract investments in agriculture, tourism, and mining.

“By eliminating visa requirements for our key source markets globally, we are signaling that Malawi is open for business,” Kamtukule emphasized.

Home to abundant wildlife such as elephants, hippos, and crocodiles, Malawi is a landlocked nation partially covered by the waters of Lake Malawi, Africa’s third-largest freshwater lake. Known for its crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and diverse marine life, Lake Malawi is listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.