Blantyre

Blantyre, Malawi’s oldest city

Blantyre is the oldest city in Malawi. It was founded in 1876 as a mission station established by the Church of Scotland and takes its name from the birthplace of the missionary and explorer David Livingstone, who was born in the town of Blantyre in southern Scotland.

Visitors to Blantyre can discover several sites of historical interest, including St Michael and All Angels Church and Mandala House. The surrounding area is known for the cultivation of tobacco, maize, wheat and coffee, as well as plantations of tung trees, whose oil is used in the production of paints and varnishes. This agricultural activity contributed to Blantyre becoming the country’s principal commercial and industrial centre.

Blantyre is also home to one of Malawi’s main international airports. Since 2025, Africa Wild Truck has operated a second office in the city, located near the Italian Consulate.