Lilongwe, Malawi, Africa
(exploratory as of July 2023)

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About Malawi
(Formerly known as Nyasaland.)

     After gaining independence in 1964 and establishing itself as a republic in 1966, Malawi has continued expanding and transitioning into a democracy. After shifting to a multi-party system, the country strengthened bilateral relations with the United States. Both nations wish to advance Malawi’s education, economy, agriculture, and environmental stewardship. With U.S. support, Malawi has contributed to UN Peacekeeping Operations and has promoted regional security and military cooperation.
     Malawi is predominantly an agro-based economy. Agriculture accounts for 30 percent of its GDP and 60 percent of overall employment. In recent years, 58 percent of total export earnings are from the dominant cash crop, tobacco. Harsh weather conditions make growth and development in the industry challenging. Malawi has received aid from other nations, such as China, which has supported several sectors of the economy and helped modernize agricultural technology. Additionally, the United States has offered foreign assistance to Malawi to strengthen its social services.​

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Why Lilongwe?

     Newport News is in the process of exploring a new city partnership with with Lilongwe, Malawi. The spark for this city was lit during the 2022 World Arts Celebration when SCNN Board Members met Western "Wes" Mwamlima of Malawi. Later that year, we also discovered that Newport News Vice Mayor Curtis Bethany had travelled on mission work to to the the capital city, Lilongwe.
     Lilongwe is located in the central part of Malawi in southeast Africa. The capital spans an area of 281 square kilometers and hosts a population of 1.2 million as of 2022. Within the country, Malawi is home to many national parks (Kasunga, Lengwe, and Liwonde) and shares Lake Malawi with Tanzania and Mozambique.
     While no direct history exist between Newport News and Malawi, Malawi does have historic connections to the town of Lynchburg in south-central Virginia. A famous Malawian, John Chilembwe, studied at The Virginia Seminary in 1897. Chilembwe is recognized as a symbol of liberation in Malawi because of his leadership during a revolt against the British colonial government in 1915. In 2020, the Virginia University of Lynchburg commemorated Chilembwe with a State historical marker. You can view that marker here.