The project will develop a world-class tourism destination on Mount Mulanje, centred on themes of adventure, wellness, fantasy, and the mountain’s unique biodiversity, history, mythology and culture. Blending natural and purpose-built attractions, the resort will feature a health spa and wellness centre, a cable car, luge and skyride attractions, Segway trails, a living museum with storytelling experiences, eco-lodge accommodation, themed restaurants, and a range of eco-adventure and team-building activities. Nearby tea and coffee estates will be integrated into the visitor experience, while local materials and design elements will reflect the stories and heritage of Mount Mulanje. The project aims to provide enriching visitor experiences, conserve the mountain’s natural and cultural assets, and create sustainable employment opportunities for local communities. Target markets include domestic and international tourists, families, schools and researchers. More than 2,000 direct and indirect jobs are expected across hospitality, guiding, food services and supporting enterprises.
Project overview
Investment opportunity
The project offers opportunities for tourism investors, hospitality operators and strategic partners to participate in the development of a unique mountain tourism destination. Investment opportunities include wellness and spa facilities, eco-lodges, adventure tourism attractions, hospitality services and supporting visitor infrastructure. The project aims to unlock the tourism potential of Mount Mulanje while creating sustainable employment and supporting conservation of the mountain's natural and cultural heritage.
Investment types sought
Project status
Development stage
Feasibility & due diligence
Current status / progress to date
Preliminary project planning and concept development have been completed. The project is advancing through feasibility and due diligence stages, with detailed studies, project structuring, investor engagement and financing mobilisation required prior to implementation.
Additional project information
- Lead agency
- Ministry of Industrialisation, Business, Trade and Tourism
Expected impact
Economic & development benefits
- Creates more than 2,000 direct and indirect jobs across hospitality, guiding, wellness, transport, food services and supporting enterprises
- Positions Mount Mulanje as a leading tourism destination for domestic and international visitors, generating foreign exchange earnings
- Increases visitor spending and length of stay through a diverse range of tourism attractions and experiences
- Strengthens MSMEs and local value chains through agritourism linkages with tea, coffee, crafts, food and cultural experiences
- Supports local entrepreneurship and community-based tourism enterprises while increasing tourism’s contribution to Malawi’s economic growth and government revenues
Climate & resilience benefits
- Creates more than 2,000 green jobs during construction and operation, supporting sustainable livelihoods and local economic development
- Promotes climate-smart tourism practices and strengthens community capacity through training and skills development in eco-tourism
- Supports ecosystem conservation through reforestation, biodiversity protection and sustainable natural resource management
- Enhances climate resilience through low-carbon tourism initiatives, climate-adaptive infrastructure and diversified livelihood opportunities
- Strengthens environmental awareness, conservation education and community adaptation through the Living Museum and associated outreach activities
Contact
Contact team
For more information about this project, please contact the Commonwealth Investment Platform team.