Dzaleka Camp Data & Statistics
Comprehensive data insights into Dzaleka Refugee Camp's population, resources, and operations.
- Total Population
- 57,438
- DRC Refugees
- 37,245
- Funding Needed (2025)
- $26.3M
- UNHCR Staff
- 66
Sources: UNHCR Malawi Data (31 Mar 2025)
Latest data as of March 31, 2025
Camp Overview
Dzaleka Refugee Camp Overview
Established in 1994 in response to the Rwandan genocide and conflicts in Burundi and DRC
Located in Dowa District, about 45km north of Lilongwe, Malawi's capital
Originally designed for 10,000-12,000 refugees, now hosts over 60,000 people
Faces significant challenges with overcrowding and limited resources
Home to diverse entrepreneurial activities and small businesses
Supported by UNHCR, WFP, and various NGOs providing essential services
Source: Dzaleka Refugee Information Hub, 2024
Camp History
Camp History Timeline
1977
Luwani Camp Opens
Hosts Mozambican refugees
1989
Refugee Act Enacted
Legal framework established
1994
Dzaleka Camp Opens
Repurposed political prison
2007
Luwani Camp Closes
End of an era
2018
CRRF Adoption
New framework signed
2023
Forced Re-encampment
Urban refugees relocated
2024
Current Situation
Overcrowding in Dzaleka
Historical Background
Malawi's History of Hosting Refugees
- Luwani Camp opened in 1977 for Mozambican refugees, closed in 2007
- Dzaleka Camp, originally a political prison, repurposed in 1994 for refugees from Rwanda and Burundi
- Malawi hosted over one million Mozambican refugees during the 1980s and early 1990s
- Malawi ratified the UN Refugee Convention and enacted the Refugee Act in 1989
- Dzaleka's population has grown from 10,000-12,000 to over 60,000 by 2024
- Malawi has also experienced refugee outflows in the 1960s and 1970s due to political persecution
Source: Inua Advocacy
Detailed Population Timeline
150
1995
Initial refugees
"Well-equipped centre"
5,000
2007
Before Luwani closure
Pre-consolidation
8,800
2007
After Luwani closure
Post-consolidation
55,425
2024
Current population
August 2024
The Name "Dzaleka"
The name Dzaleka comes from the Chichewa phrase "N'dzaleka," meaning "I will never do it again." This name carries profound significance, representing both the hope for a better future and the acknowledgment of past suffering.
"The name serves as a reminder of the transformation from a place of oppression to a place of refuge and hope."
Historical Documents & Testimonies
1976
State Department Cable
"In the Dzaleka detention camp near Dowa, north of Lilongwe, there are now over 3,000 male witnesses who have been incarcerated for a two-year period."Source: State Department Cable 1976-135342
1995
Personal Testimony: Joseph Ndereyimana
"On 23rd December 1995, we were taken to the Dzaleka Refugee Centre, outside Dowa. We were feeling happy in the hope that we might meet up with people we knew, and even hear news of our families whom we had left behind in Kashusha."Source: "Walk this way: the journey of a Rwandan refugee" (1999)
2007
State Department Cable
"The Dzaleka camp covers 201 hectares and UNHCR estimates it can hold a maximum of 9300 people. Once all refugees are relocated it will have a population approaching 8800 people and continues to get a steady stream of new refugees from the Congo."Source: State Department Cable 07LILONGWE803
Cultural Achievements & Community Development
Tumaini Festival
Founded by Congolese refugee Trésor Nzengu Mpauni, this annual arts and cultural event has reached an estimated 40 million people worldwide.
Established: 2014Community Organizations
Refugee-led initiatives including There is Hope, RELON Malawi, and various cultural groups have transformed the camp's narrative.
Ongoing DevelopmentLegal Framework
Understanding the Laws Governing Refugees in Malawi
Refugee Act of 1989
The Refugee Act of 1989 establishes the legal framework for the reception, admission, and treatment of refugees in Malawi. While it aligns with key international refugee laws, it has faced criticism for being outdated and insufficient in addressing current refugee needs.
Reservations to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention
Malawi's reservations limit certain rights of refugees, including:
- Freedom of Movement: Refugees must reside in designated camps
- Employment: Restrictions on work outside camps
- Public Relief and Assistance: Limited access to social services
These reservations significantly impact refugees' ability to achieve self-sufficiency and integrate into Malawian society.
Source: Inua Advocacy
Demographics
Population by Origin (March 31, 2025)
Total Population: 57,438
DR Congo: 37,245
Burundi: 12,604
Rwanda: 7,135
Mozambique: 35
Others: ~419
Camp Capacity Issues
Original Design Capacity: 10,000-12,000
Current Population: 57,438
Overcrowding Factor: ~478%
Historical Context
- DRC: Majority of population, ongoing displacement due to conflicts
- Burundi: Significant population, political instability concerns
- Rwanda: Long-term residents since 1994 genocide
- Others: Smaller populations from Somalia, Ethiopia, Mozambique
Community Development
- Tumaini Festival: Annual arts event reaching 40M+ people
- Refugee-led organizations: There is Hope, RELON Malawi
- Educational institutions: Schools and training centers
- Cultural preservation: Traditional arts and music
Housing & Infrastructure Development
Current Challenges
Dzaleka refugee camp remains highly congested, resulting in poor living conditions and inadequate infrastructure due to limited space and resources.
2023 Achievements
To improve housing conditions, a total of 8,047 housing units were constructed in 2023, significantly enhancing living standards for camp residents.
2024 Developments
Significant progress in shelter and infrastructure establishment at camp extension areas: Katubza, Woodlot, and Dzaleka Hills to accommodate more refugees.
New Settlement Plan
Government identified new site in Kayilizi area, Chitipa: 439 hectares to accommodate 10,240 households (approximately 51,200 individuals).
Two Joint Assessment Missions (JAM) conducted in July 2023 and March 2024 to evaluate the new settlement site.
Recent Events
Security
Aid Distribution Unrest
Unrest at Dzaleka Camp over distribution of aid materials
Dzaleka Camp
Security
Grenade Attack
Grenade attack on Burundian community leader Butoyi Fideli
Dzaleka Camp
Policy
Forced Relocation
Forced relocation of urban refugees back to Dzaleka Camp
Dzaleka Camp
Key Stakeholders
Government of Malawi
Policy Development
Responsible for policy development and enforcement of refugee laws
Policy DevelopmentRefugee Law Enforcement
UNHCR
Protection & Coordination
Provides protection, assistance, and coordinates humanitarian efforts
ProtectionAssistanceCoordination
Implementing Partners
Service Delivery
Contracted organizations delivering direct services
Service DeliveryContracted Organizations
Cooperating Partners
Specialized Services
Organizations focusing on specific aspects, approved by Ministry
Specialized ServicesApproved by Ministry
CBOs
Community Services
Refugee-led initiatives providing essential services
Community ServicesRefugee-led Initiatives
Donors
Funding
Governments and organizations providing funding support
Funding SupportGovernments and Organizations
Economic Impact
Entrepreneurship(85%)
Refugee-run businesses and shops
Agriculture(70%)
Farming partnerships and production
Job Creation(65%)
Employment opportunities
Skills Transfer(55%)
Knowledge and expertise sharing
Local Trade(80%)
Market integration and commerce
Healthcare Services
Medical Staff(30%)
Severe Shortage - Limited number of qualified personnel, High patient-to-doctor ratio, Staff burnout
Basic Care(45%)
Strained - Overcrowded facilities, Long waiting times, Limited equipment
Specialized Care(20%)
Limited - Few specialists available, Limited diagnostic equipment, Referral system challenges
Medicine Access(35%)
Inadequate - Frequent stockouts, Storage limitations, Supply chain issues
Emergency Services(25%)
Critical - Limited ambulance services, Night-time access issues, Emergency equipment shortage
Additional Demographics
Camp Demographics
Democratic Republic of Congo
64.9%(35,952)
Majority fled conflicts in Eastern DRC, ongoing displacement due to violence
Burundi
21.9%(12,113)
Displaced by political instability and human rights concerns
Rwanda
12.6%(6,960)
Long-term residents since 1994 genocide
Somalia
0.3%(161)
Fled ongoing conflict and instability
Ethiopia
0.3%(164)
Recent arrivals from conflict zones
Other Nationalities
0.1%(75)
Various African nations
Source: UNHCR Malawi Fact Sheet - August 2024
Current Challenges
Overcrowding
The camp now houses over four times its original intended capacity, leading to resource strain and infrastructure challenges. Originally designed for 10,000-12,000 people, it now accommodates over 56,000 residents.
Human Trafficking
In 2022, UNODC and Malawian Police uncovered widespread exploitation networks operating within the camp, leading to ongoing efforts to dismantle these operations and protect vulnerable populations.
Contemporary Documentation
Recent sources and research from 2007-2025
2023
Academic Research
"This study inquired into the nature of identity among refugee youth living at Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Malawi. Aged between eighteen and twenty-four, the sample comprised of twenty-two female and thirty-eight male participants, from Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Somalia."Source: Refugee Youth Identity Formation at Dzaleka Refugee Camp (2023)
2025
Food Security Study
"Food security and dietary diversity surveys were conducted with 300 women living in Dzaleka camp, Malawi. Ninety-one percent of women had severe food insecurity and women only ate on average 2–3 food groups the previous day."Source: Food insecurity and dietary diversity among women living in Dzaleka refugee camp, Malawi (2025)
Funding & UNHCR Presence
Funding Overview (2025 Requirements)
USD 26.3M
Total Requirements
Required to ensure that operations and programmes in Malawi are sustained for 2025.
UNHCR Staff Presence
National Staff: 23
International Staff: 9
Others: 34
TOTAL STAFF: 66
UNHCR Offices
1
Branch Office
Lilongwe
1
Field Office
Karonga
Latest News
Emergency Alerts
Refugee Population Surge
Significant increase in refugee numbers at Dzaleka Camp, creating escalating challenges for resource allocation.
December 2024
Food Ration Reduction Risk
Current funding only maintains 75% food rations until February 2025. Urgent additional resources needed.
December 2024
Malnutrition Cases Rising
SAM admissions increased by 21% and MAM admissions surged by 185% in November 2024.
November 2024
Emergency Food Distribution
WFP providing assistance to 56,760 refugees (60% women) in Dzaleka Camp.
December 2024
Finance
UNHCR Funding 2024
View ReportTotal Budget$26.3M
Funded$3.8M (14.5%)
Funding Gap$22.5M (85.5%)
Last updated: 2/1/2026
Resources
WFP Malawi Country Brief
December 2024Latest statistics on refugee population, food assistance, and humanitarian needs in Dzaleka Camp.
UNHCR Malawi Data Portal
2024Comprehensive data on refugee demographics, countries of origin, and camp statistics.
ReliefWeb Malawi Updates
2024Latest news and situation reports about Dzaleka Refugee Camp.
Inua Advocacy Research
2024Research and advocacy reports on refugee rights and community development in Dzaleka.