Malawi orders hard currency hotel payments
Malawi has ordered foreign tourists to pay for hotel stays in hard currency, part of measures to bolster dwindling foreign reserves, Finance Minister Joseph Mwanamvekha announced on 21 November 2025. Tourism businesses must apply for special licences to handle foreign exchange directly with the central bank, formalising how accommodation payments in foreign currency are received and managed.
The move follows the termination of the IMF’s Extended Credit Facility earlier this year and reduced donor budget support. Government has also shortened exporters’ repatriation period to 90 days from 120, will require surrender of residual foreign currency after import payments, and has banned short‑term FX derivatives until tighter rules are in place. Authorities say the steps will save dollars and close loopholes, with the tourism directive centralising foreign‑currency flows through licensed operators.
Source: TRT Africa
