Boosting Zomba’s Economy: The UNIMA Graduation Effect

Each year, at least twice, thousands of people make their way to the city of Zomba to attend graduation ceremonies held at the University of Malawi's Great Hall. The primary reason? To witness the proud moment when students are officially conferred with degrees from the number one university in Malawi. Among the attendees are parents and guardians of the graduands, friends, boyfriends and girlfriends, husbands and wives. During these ceremonies, Zomba buzzes with life, swarmed by people, including entrepreneurs and service providers from across the country who see the event as a business opportunity.

Like any other congregation ceremony, the recent first 2025 UNIMA graduation, which was graced by the President of Malawi, His Excellency Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, who also serves as the Chancellor of UNIMA, was unique in its own way, characterized by a vibrant and festive atmosphere. One notable feature was the large number of businesspeople who flocked to the Great Hall from across the country, hoping to capitalize on the graduation ceremonies. Among the most commonly seen businesses during the event were photography services, flower vendors, restaurants, taxi drivers, and kabaza motorcycle operators, all gathered at UNIMA to offer their services to the graduating students and their families. Indeed, many entrepreneurs made significant profits during the event.

One of the photography service providers, Platinum Photo Studio, travelled all the way from Blantyre to claim their share of the market during the event. Ms. Sandra Kaluwa, the Marketing Manager for the photography firm, shared that they learned about the graduation from the graduands themselves and through the university's website. Like most of the businesspeople at the event, they acknowledged the skyrocketing revenue they generated during the UNIMA graduations, citing that on day two of the graduation, after the morning ceremony alone, they had realized about MWK700,000 from just 10 clients, with more promising business to come in the afternoon.

“We were specifically invited by our valued customers, the students, with whom we have been in business for years. Hence, we are here in Zomba. We are proud of this ceremony as it gives us huge fortunes in one go. This event has also exposed us to more clients,” said Kaluwa.

Another businessperson who had a successful day was Mrs. Chrissy Changani, a resident of Blantyre City. Her florist business often compels her to take such self-initiated trips. She says that events like these are what put food on the table, enable her to pay school fees for her children, take care of orphans, and meet other basic daily needs.

During these events, one can never celebrate without a snack, a meal, or something to quench their thirst. This is where restaurant operators come in. They, too, come from different parts of the country to the Great Hall to provide relief from hunger. These providers range from local food sellers to well-established brands in the country.

Mrs. Thokozile Saka, who runs a restaurant in Lilongwe at Tsoka Market, and Mrs. Patricia Musukwa from Chinamwali in Zomba, were all smiles at the Great Hall, where a temporary market was set up for them to make sales. The two bragged about how much they had earned on day two alone. They said that by midday, both had already made MWK150,000 from their sales, with their final sales reaching MWK400,000 by the end of the two-day graduation ceremony.

As part of the celebration, students also dance and jubilate with their parents and guardians during the ceremony. Drums are played as they dance in circles, ululating to local songs from various Malawian cultures. Some men make a living by beating these drums for money, coming from places like Jali and Chikanda in Zomba. During the recent graduation ceremony, Chikanda Ghetto, one of the Mganda performers, earned nearly MWK100,000 from their performance, which, according to their team leader, would make a big impact on their lives.

“This ceremony has helped us to bring something to the table. As young boys from Chikanda, we are proud to be close to UNIMA, as we benefit from such events,” he said.

Taxi and motorcycle operators also benefit from the graduation ceremonies held at UNIMA. With many people attending to support their loved ones, transportation services become essential. Mr. Basikolo Foster, a motorcycle operator from Namasalima in Zomba, shared that graduation days are far more profitable than normal days. He said that during the first 2025 congregation ceremony, he earned nearly MWK60,000, calling it a “miracle.”

“Abwana, tisaname,” he says, “the money we realize during these functions is much more than what we are used to getting on normal days, taking students to town and back,” Foster added.

Overall, UNIMA graduations not only bring together families, friends, and lovers, but also provide economic opportunities for the communities around the university and beyond Zomba. This shows that the graduations at the University of Malawi are no ordinary event.

By Mike Vladimir Chirwa,  3^rd year student (Bachelor of Education Language)