MALAWI: Government Calls for Modern Tourism Infrastructure as US$56 Million Protea Hotel Nears Completion

By Smile Hamilton, Malawi

The Ministry of Industrialization, Business, Trade and Tourism has emphasized the need for continued investment in modern tourism infrastructure to strengthen the sector’s contribution to Malawi’s economic growth.

Minister of Industrialization, Business, Trade and Tourism, Simon Itaye, made the remarks during a tour of Nico Holdings’ US$56 million Protea Hotel project in Lilongwe, where he assessed progress on the development.

Speaking in an interview, Itaye expressed satisfaction with the pace of construction, saying the project demonstrates growing investor confidence in Malawi’s tourism industry.

“I am impressed with the progress made so far. Projects of this nature are important because they not only create jobs but also help improve the quality of tourism facilities in the country,” said Itaye.

The minister added that modern hospitality infrastructure is critical to attracting more international visitors and supporting the government’s broader economic development agenda.

Meanwhile, Eris Properties Chief Executive Officer Washington Chimuzu said construction of the hotel is now 90 percent complete and is expected to be finalized by October 2026.

Chimuzu said the facility will operate under the Protea Hotels by Marriott brand, one of Africa’s leading hospitality chains, and is expected to enhance Malawi’s capacity to host international tourists, business travelers and major events.

Once completed, the hotel is expected to strengthen Lilongwe’s hospitality sector while contributing to job creation and increased investment in the country’s tourism industry.

By Smile Hamilton, Malawi

The Ministry of Industrialization, Business, Trade and Tourism has emphasized the need for continued investment in modern tourism infrastructure to strengthen the sector’s contribution to Malawi’s economic growth.

Minister of Industrialization, Business, Trade and Tourism, Simon Itaye, made the remarks during a tour of Nico Holdings’ US$56 million Protea Hotel project in Lilongwe, where he assessed progress on the development.

Speaking in an interview, Itaye expressed satisfaction with the pace of construction, saying the project demonstrates growing investor confidence in Malawi’s tourism industry.

“I am impressed with the progress made so far. Projects of this nature are important because they not only create jobs but also help improve the quality of tourism facilities in the country,” said Itaye.

The minister added that modern hospitality infrastructure is critical to attracting more international visitors and supporting the government’s broader economic development agenda.

Meanwhile, Eris Properties Chief Executive Officer Washington Chimuzu said construction of the hotel is now 90 percent complete and is expected to be finalized by October 2026.

Chimuzu said the facility will operate under the Protea Hotels by Marriott brand, one of Africa’s leading hospitality chains, and is expected to enhance Malawi’s capacity to host international tourists, business travelers and major events.

Once completed, the hotel is expected to strengthen Lilongwe’s hospitality sector while contributing to job creation and increased investment in the country’s tourism industry.

MALAWI: Government Calls for Modern Tourism Infrastructure as US$56 Million Protea Hotel Nears Completion

By Smile Hamilton, Malawi

The Ministry of Industrialization, Business, Trade and Tourism has emphasized the need for continued investment in modern tourism infrastructure to strengthen the sector’s contribution to Malawi’s economic growth.

Minister of Industrialization, Business, Trade and Tourism, Simon Itaye, made the remarks during a tour of Nico Holdings’ US$56 million Protea Hotel project in Lilongwe, where he assessed progress on the development.

Speaking in an interview, Itaye expressed satisfaction with the pace of construction, saying the project demonstrates growing investor confidence in Malawi’s tourism industry.

“I am impressed with the progress made so far. Projects of this nature are important because they not only create jobs but also help improve the quality of tourism facilities in the country,” said Itaye.

The minister added that modern hospitality infrastructure is critical to attracting more international visitors and supporting the government’s broader economic development agenda.

Meanwhile, Eris Properties Chief Executive Officer Washington Chimuzu said construction of the hotel is now 90 percent complete and is expected to be finalized by October 2026.

Chimuzu said the facility will operate under the Protea Hotels by Marriott brand, one of Africa’s leading hospitality chains, and is expected to enhance Malawi’s capacity to host international tourists, business travelers and major events.

Once completed, the hotel is expected to strengthen Lilongwe’s hospitality sector while contributing to job creation and increased investment in the country’s tourism industry.