Mwanza is a town in Malawi on the border with Mozambique. It is the administrative headquarters for Mwanza District.^[2]

Mwanza is the largest commercial, political and administrative urban centre of Mwanza District, in the Southern Region of Malawi. It lies on the important road from Blantyre to Tete in Mozambique, approximately 100 kilometres (62 mi), by road, northwest of Blantyre, Malawi's commercial capital.^[3] The geographical coordinates of Mwanza, Malawi are:15°35'55.0"S, 34°31'04.0"E (Latitude:-15.598611; Longitude:34.517778).^[2] The town sits at an average elevation of 626 metres (2,054 ft) above sea level.^[4]

The national census and household survey conducted in 2018, enumerated the population of Mwanza, Malawi at 18,039 inhabitants. The majority of people in the town and the district belong to the Chewa ethnic group.^[1]

The town is a market town for local produce, including honey, as well as a distribution market for commercial products and processed foods, such as maize flour. Mwanza also acts as a transshipment point for goods going down the Zambeze River via Tete. Mwanza is a district located in the Southern Region of Malawi. Here's a brief history:

Pre-Colonial Era The area that is now Mwanza was originally inhabited by the Ngoni people, who migrated from South Africa in the 19th century. The Ngoni were a powerful and organized tribe that established several chiefdoms in the region.

Colonial Era (1891-1964) In 1891, the British established the British Central Africa Protectorate, which included present-day Malawi. Mwanza became an important administrative center during this period. The British built roads, schools, and hospitals, and introduced cash crops like tobacco and cotton.

Post-Colonial Era (1964-Present) Malawi gained independence from Britain in 1964. After independence, Mwanza continued to grow as an administrative and commercial center. The district is known for its agricultural production, particularly maize, tobacco, and cotton.

Modern Developments In recent years, Mwanza has experienced significant development, including:

- Improved road infrastructure - Expansion of education and healthcare services - Growth of small-scale industries, such as textiles and food processing

Cultural Significance Mwanza is home to several cultural attractions, including:

- The Mwanza Museum, which showcases the district's history and culture - The Ngoni Cultural Village, which preserves traditional Ngoni customs and practices

Conclusion Mwanza, Malawi, has a rich and diverse history, from its origins as a Ngoni chiefdom to its current status as a thriving administrative and commercial center. Written by Felix Shakespear Chiphambo

Mwanza has an airstrip with a 1,000 metres (3,281 ft) long runway. It has both primary and secondary schools e.g Green Hills Academy pvt school P.O.Box 1 Mwanza, Chiyambi secondary school,Mwanza secondary school, Milpak secondary school, Shalom Foundation Academy pvt school e.tc,as well as a hospital. Mwanza District Hospital serves not only the local district, but also neighbouring Chikwawa District and Neno District in Malawi and the town of Zobue and Moatize District across the border in Mozambique.^[5]

The town has a railway station on the Nacala railway, under concession of Central East African Railways. The town of Mwanza has one of the most important railway stations on the Nacala railway, linking Moatize and Cana-Cana (west) to Nkaya and Port of Nacala (east).^[6]

• Photo: Border Operations Assessment Mwanza-Zobue Border Posts As of 23 June 2011.
• Photo: Mwanza District Hospital As of 20 October 2009.