Unesco World Heritage Centre has approved Malawi’s updated Tentative List.
Unesco, in a letter dated December 11, 2025 and signed by Lazare Assomo, who is the director, says the documentation submitted by the country complies with operational guidelines.
Assomo, therefore, says the Tentative List of Malawi has been updated accordingly.
Unesco has since congratulated all the stakeholders involved.
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The tentative list is a key prerequisite for any country that intends to nominate sites for inscription on the Unesco World Heritage List.
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Inclusion on the Tentative List signifies that the site has outstanding potential universal value and positions it for future nomination and international recognition.
The Tentative List of Malawi, as registered by Unesco World Heritage Centre, are Khulubvi and associated Mbona sacred rain shrines, Malawi slave routes and Dr David Livingstone trail, Lake Chilwa Wetland, Nyika National Park and Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve.
Speaking about the issue, National Focal Point for World Heritage Convention in Malawi— working with the Department of Museums and Monuments in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture— Oris Malijani, described the update as a critical step in strengthening Malawi’s visibility on the global heritage map.
“The updating of the Tentative List demonstrates Malawi’s commitment to safeguarding its heritage for present and future generations while also positioning these sites for potential World Heritage inscription,” Malijani said.
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He also said the development marked another significant step in Malawi’s ongoing efforts to celebrate, protect and promote its cultural identity and natural wealth on the world stage.
“With the updated Tentative List now formally registered, Malawi is expected to focus on advancing selected sites towards full nomination dossiers, subject to further research, conservation, planning and stakeholder engagement,” Malijani said.
