Sunbird showcases Malawi’s 1,500-capacity conference centre as MICE investment accelerates

MALAWI – Sunbird Hotels & Resorts has leveraged its participation at Meetings Africa 2026 to generate new business leads and showcase Malawi’s growing conference infrastructure, with the newly launched Sunbird Livingstonia Conference Centre.

The purpose-built facility in Salima, is located on the shores of Lake Malawi approximately 100 kilometres from the capital, can host up to 1,500 delegates.

It also has a main plenary hall accommodating 1,000 participants supported by flexible breakaway rooms and dedicated catering facilities.

To support anticipated demand, Sunbird is adding 60 rooms at Sunbird Livingstonia Beach.  This will bring the complex total to approximately 156 rooms, while expanding Sunbird Waterfront from 46 to 100 rooms as a standalone resort capable of supporting large-scale conferences.

Temwa Mhango-Kanjadza, Head of Sales, Marketing and Distribution, confirmed the investments aim to future-proof the group’s offering.

“We came here to unlock new leads, close business deals and create awareness around new products we have recently launched,” she said.

Mhango-Kanjadza also highlighted the opportunity for regional cooperation: “For major international conferences, neighbouring countries like Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe can work together on bids. Distance by air is not a barrier, and collaboration strengthens our competitiveness”.

 Africa currently accounts for an estimated 3% of the global business events market, though industry leaders believe this share could grow significantly with improved connectivity and infrastructure investment.

Further, the facility represents a strategic shift from potential to performance, offering international meeting planners a venue combining professional infrastructure with distinctive leisure experiences.

Meetings Africa 2026, organized by South African Tourism, drew more than 300 exhibitors from over 20 African countries alongside hundreds of hosted buyers, reinforcing its role as catalyst for trade and partnerships.

Mhango-Kanjadza emphasized that experience increasingly differentiates MICE destinations: “Delegates are looking for more than meeting rooms. They want authentic experiences that reflect who we are as destinations. That is where Malawi has a real advantage”.

Sunbird’s integrated approach, linking conference infrastructure with lakeside leisure properties, positions Malawi to capture growing demand for business events that balance work with authentic cultural and natural experiences.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.