By Suleman Chitera
LILONGWE, MALAWI — Construction of the highly anticipated Protea Hotels Lilongwe Ryalls Golf Estate has reached 90 percent completion, marking a major milestone for one of Malawi’s largest hospitality investments and positioning Lilongwe as a leading destination for business tourism and international conferences in Southern Africa.Amaryllis Hotel public inquiry finishes questions still there
The 180-bed luxury hotel, strategically located within the prestigious Lilongwe Golf Club, is expected to be handed over later this year, with contractors indicating that only final finishing works remain before completion.
The four-star development, valued at approximately $60 million (about K107 billion), is expected to significantly boost Malawi’s tourism sector, create employment opportunities, and strengthen Lilongwe’s capacity to host regional and international events.
Speaking during a project walkthrough on Monday, S.R Nicholas Director Gianluca Bizzaro expressed confidence that the project is entering its final phase.DIRECT THREAT: Iran Warns Trump Family Businesses Could Be Targeted in Escalating Conflict
“We are in the finishing stages of the project. What remains now is furniture and a little bit of tiling. The biggest hurdles have been passed. We are nearly there. I think by October or November, we should be done,” said Bizzaro.
Despite the impressive progress, Bizzaro acknowledged that foreign exchange shortages and fuel supply disruptions had slowed construction, pushing completion beyond the original December 2025 target.
Landmark Investment for Malawi’s Hospitality Industry
The walkthrough was organised by Blantyre Hotels Limited (BHL) plc and Icon Properties plc, both subsidiaries of Nico Holdings plc, one of Malawi’s leading financial services groups listed on the Malawi Stock Exchange.Malawi Defence Force Accused of Brutality at Kamchocho Gold Mines as Miners Demand Investigation
Nico Holdings Managing Director Vizenge Kumwenda described the progress as a major achievement, particularly considering that part of the project’s financing was sourced from ordinary Malawians through a successful rights issue.
“We are at a stage where we are almost seeing the finishing line. It is good news, especially when you consider that when we started, we went to the public to raise funding for this magnificent hotel,” said Kumwenda.
The project benefited from a public fundraising exercise that raised approximately K62.4 billion, reflecting strong investor confidence in Malawi’s tourism and hospitality sector.
Lilongwe Set to Become Regional Conference Hub
Once operational, the Protea Hotels Lilongwe Ryalls is expected to transform the capital city’s hospitality landscape by increasing accommodation capacity and attracting international conferences, business travellers, diplomats and tourists.How Malawi’s Gold Is Allegedly Flowing Into Israel Through Smuggling Networks
Industry experts believe the new hotel will enhance Lilongwe’s competitiveness against major regional conference destinations while generating substantial economic benefits through increased visitor spending.
The development comes at a time when Malawi is seeking to expand tourism revenues and attract foreign investment through improved infrastructure and world-class hospitality facilities.
City Council Promises Traffic Solutions
During the tour, Lilongwe City Council Chief Executive Officer Clement Stambuli pledged to address traffic congestion around the hotel’s entrance.
The road leading to the golf club is frequently congested by minibuses serving the Likuni and Chinsapo routes, creating accessibility challenges for motorists.President Mutharika Urged to Revoke Nir Ges’ Diplomatic Passport Amid Outgoing MCP Scandal
Stambuli said the council plans to establish a new minibus depot to relocate public transport operations away from the hotel entrance and improve traffic flow in the area.
Positive Outlook for Investors
The project is also expected to strengthen the financial performance of Blantyre Hotels Limited by expanding its market presence beyond Blantyre.
Minority Shareholders Association of Listed Companies Central Region Chairperson Purity Chitalo previously indicated that the company stands to benefit from higher occupancy rates and increased revenues by operating premium hotels in both Malawi’s commercial and political capitals.Diplomatic Passport Scandal in Malawi: Questions Surrounding Nir Gess and Abuse of State Privileges
For many years, BHL operated only the Protea Hotel by Marriott Blantyre Ryalls. To expand into Lilongwe, the company partnered with institutional investors under a special-purpose vehicle known as Oasis Hospitality Limited.
According to ownership records, BHL is 34.34 percent owned by Nico Life Insurance Company Limited, 32.15 percent by Africap LLC, 26.30 percent by Press Trust, while public shareholders own 7.21 percent.
As construction enters its final stages, expectations remain high that the Protea Hotels Lilongwe Ryalls Golf Estate will become one of Malawi’s flagship hospitality destinations and a symbol of growing investor confidence in the country’s tourism industry.Malawi Freedom Network Opens Doors for Article Submissions From Writers Across Malawi