Every government that comes to power in Malawi seems to have its own people who take advantage of the system to grab land— often selling it to wealthy businesspersons at the expense of ordinary citizens.
Since independence and even before, land has remained one of the most politically charged and corruptly traded resources in the country. Whether in Lilongwe, Blantyre, or Mzuzu, stories of plots allocated to politically connected individuals are common, leaving poor Malawians helpless and voiceless.
However, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)-led government has warned against people using their connections to the party to abuse procurement and sell of land.
The party’s Secretary General who is also Minister of Homeland Security Peter Mukhito has sounded the warning saying the party will not protect any “Dobadobas”—a term commonly used to describe politically connected opportunists involved in such acts.
“This is a changed government. No one should use [the name of the DPP] to grab land anyhow. They will be arrested,” said Mukhito.
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Minister of Lands Jappie Mhango has confirmed reports of a syndicate involved in selling public property and promised a full investigation.
“The President has told us to help him solve such issues. We will get to the bottom of this syndicate—no one will be spared,” said Mhango.
Malawi News investigations in Lilongwe have established that large portions of land once reserved for public use have been sold or fenced off—sometimes overnight.
Residents allege that such developments often occur with backing from influential figures who use government connections to obtain land titles, even in restricted zones.
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Three months ago, police arrested a syndicate found with original government seals and documents belonging to Ministry of Lands officials who were allegedly conniving with Dobadobas to sell land to Chinese and Malawians of Indian origin.
The case is still in court. Police Deputy Spokesperson Alfred Chimthere confirmed the arrests and said investigations are ongoing.
One ongoing case is in Area 47 Sector 2, near Mbowe Service Station, where residents have raised concerns over suspicious developments along a streamside traditionally used for dimba gardening.
In a letter dated 21st October 2025 addressed to the Executive Director of the National Water Resources Authority (NWRA), concerned residents expressed concern over recent developments taking place along the streamside near plots facing Mbowe Service Station.
“In the past few days, heavy machinery has been observed clearing land directly along the stream, and information circulating within the community suggests plans to construct warehouses in this ecologically sensitive area,” reads part of the letter.
Residents say the developments threaten both the environment and their livelihoods. They reminded authorities that Malawi Housing Corporation (MHC) previously refused to allocate plots in the same area, citing environmental restrictions.
Their main concerns include environmental damage and flood risks from blocked water flow; health hazards due to potential pollution from industrial construction; loss of livelihoods for long-term gardeners; violation of previous restrictions and lack of public consultation.
Land controversies in Malawi have often mirrored shifts in political power.
Several plots in Area 49 and Njewa meant for public institutions were reallocated to private developers linked to senior officials. Some were later sold to businesspeople of Indian origin at inflated prices.
Land allocation scandals emerged in Areas 46 and 43 of Lilongwe, where they allegedly acquired plots without due process. Although some developments were halted after public outcry, most were never reversed.
The trend continued when land in Blantyre’s Naperi and Chigumula areas was reportedly sold to foreign-linked firms, displacing long-term residents.
Similar stories resurfaced—notably around Area 43 and the vicinity of the Natural Resources College.
Critics argue that each administration merely replaces one group of beneficiaries with another, leaving systemic corruption intact.
Transparency and accountability advocate Willy Kambwandira says the Area 47 case is just another example of impunity in land administration.
“It’s the same pattern for every administration—new people, same behavior. They use connections to acquire land meant for public benefit, and no one stops them,” Kambwandira said.
As land scarcity worsens in Malawi’s urban centers, calls are growing for the government to strengthen oversight, enforce environmental regulations, and dismantle networks that treat public land as political spoils.
