By Tarcizio Mondwe:
A new Afrobarometer survey has found that most Malawians are comfortable living alongside foreigners, with 77 percent willing to accept foreign workers as neighbours and 66 percent welcoming refugees as neighbours.
The findings are contained in African Insights 2026: Beyond Borders — Citizen Perspectives on a Shifting Global Order, published this month by Afrobarometer.
The survey also found that 54 percent of Malawians view the economic contribution of foreigners positively, placing Malawi among countries showing relatively broad social acceptance of immigrants.
However, the report says Africans tend to be more cautious when immigration is linked to access to jobs, economic opportunities and national resources.
Afrobarometer Board Chair Amina Oyagbola said economic pressures are also driving many Africans to consider leaving their countries.
“Economic factors are the major drivers of emigration, with 50 percent of potential emigrants in search of work and 29 percent needing to escape poverty,” she said.
The report further shows that 49 percent of Malawians prioritise global trade over regional trade, while the United States receives the highest regard among major global powers.
Economic expert Christopher Madiba Kangoma said foreign entrepreneurs bring capital, technology and business networks that can benefit Malawi.
He said foreign investment in sectors such as retail, agribusiness and construction has contributed to market expansion, tax revenues and job creation.
However, Kangoma called for regulations that protect vulnerable local businesses from unfair competition.
He proposed stronger enforcement of reserved business sectors, greater use of local suppliers by foreign investors and linking expatriate work permits to skills-transfer programmes.
He also urged government to improve access to finance and digital tools for small and medium-sized Malawian businesses.
