By Suleman Chitera

Malawi is set to expand its road tolling programme with four new toll gates expected to generate about K10 billion annually, as authorities seek to strengthen financing for road maintenance across the country.

The proposed toll gates will be located at Chileka, Naruva, Mnkhanga and Gwayi and form part of Government’s strategy to increase revenue from road users and create a more sustainable funding mechanism for maintaining the national road network.

The expansion is provided for in the 2026/27 National Budget and is expected to increase the number of road sections benefiting from tolling revenue.

Roads Fund Administration (RFA) Public Relations Officer Masauko Mngwaluko said traffic projections indicate that the four tolling facilities could collectively raise approximately K10 billion every year once they become operational.

“Based on projected traffic data, the RFA estimates that the four tollgates will be generating K10 billion annually,” Mngwaluko said.

Traffic will determine revenue potential

According to the RFA, traffic volume is among the most important factors considered when determining where toll gates should be established.

Mngwaluko said authorities conduct traffic surveys to establish the number of vehicles using potential locations and assess whether the expected traffic will generate sufficient revenue.

The aim is to ensure that toll gates can generate enough income to cover their operational requirements while also contributing towards the maintenance of the roads on which they are situated.

The RFA also considers the availability of essential services when assessing potential sites.

These include electricity, internet connectivity and banking facilities. Proximity to towns is also considered because employees working at the toll facilities require access to accommodation, schools and health services.

The physical characteristics of the proposed sites are equally important.

Mngwaluko said suitable terrain is required to provide motorists with maximum visibility while allowing construction to take place without creating unnecessary obstruction to traffic.

Project cost yet to be determined

While the revenue potential has already been projected, the overall cost of constructing the four toll gates remains unknown.

Roads Authority Public Relations Officer Lawrent Kumchenga said the procurement process is still underway and the final project cost will only be established after the competitive bidding process has been completed.

“The procurement process is still underway, and it is not possible at this stage to indicate the overall project costs,” Kumchenga said.

He said the Roads Authority expects to open bids on August 21, 2026, followed by evaluation of the bids and contract awards.

The procurement process, including evaluation and awarding of contracts, is expected to be completed within 120 days.

Construction is expected to begin after the procurement process is concluded, with the works projected to take approximately eight months.

Toll revenue expected to support road maintenance

The expansion of tolling comes as Malawi continues to face significant financial requirements for maintaining and rehabilitating its road network.

Road user charges are expected to play an increasingly important role in providing resources for road maintenance, reducing reliance on other sources of public financing.

The additional revenue from the four toll gates could allow the Roads Fund Administration to support more road sections under the tolling programme.

However, the expansion also means motorists will face additional tolling points, increasing the importance of transparency and accountability in the management of the funds collected.

For road users, the expectation will be that the money generated through tolling translates into safer, better-maintained and more reliable roads.

The proposed facilities at Chileka, Naruva, Mnkhanga and Gwayi therefore represent more than an expansion of toll collection. They form part of a broader attempt by Malawi to establish a sustainable financing model for its road infrastructure.

With bids expected to be opened on August 21 and construction anticipated to take eight months after procurement, attention will now turn to the tendering process, the eventual contractors and the final cost of the projects.

If implemented as planned, the four toll gates could provide Malawi with an additional K10 billion every year, creating a significant new source of funding for the maintenance of the country’s road network.