M1 Road Reconstruction

When founding President, Ngwazi Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda, envisioned an inter-region roadway connecting the North and South tips of the country, he constructed a key infrastructure known as M1 Road to anchor a national economic drive through mobility of goods, people, services and ideas.

To the surprise of many, this road has over the decades lost its intended purpose because of natural degradation and mere neglect from previous administrations.

Today, work is in progress giving the M1 a new face. In 2022, President Chakwera launched rehabilitation works of a 302-kilometre stretch from Lilongwe to Karonga to recoup the intended purpose of the country’s most important road.

The project is the single largest road project ever in length and magnitude. It cuts across several districts namely; Lilongwe, Dowa, Kasungu, Mzimba, Rumphi and Karonga. Construction works have provided job and business opportunities to young people residing in this catchment area.

The M1 carries with it a significant role of facilitating trade growth, food security and access to essential social services. At its full capacity, it is a trade route that connects Malawi – not only to Mozambique and Tanzania – but East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) regions as well.