Dzaleka Refugee Camp
Dzaleka Refugee Camp is in Malawi’s Dowa District, about 41 kilometres from Lilongwe. It was established in 1994 by the Government of Malawi and UNHCR.
The camp was originally designed for about 10,000 to 12,000 people. UNHCR says it was hosting more than 52,000 refugees and asylum seekers at the end of December 2024. Local Dzaleka data published on 31 March 2025 listed 57,438 people, so the total changes over time.
Most residents are from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, and Rwanda. UNHCR says women and children make up most of the camp population.
Local Dzaleka historical material says the site was previously used as a political prison before it became a refugee camp. The same local sources say the name “Dzaleka” is linked to the Chichewa phrase “N’dzaleka,” commonly explained as “I will never do it again.”
Key Facts
History
Dzaleka was opened as a refugee camp in 1994 during conflicts in the Great Lakes region. Refugees and asylum seekers arrived from countries including Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Before that, local historical sources say the site had been used as a political prison during the Hastings Kamuzu Banda period. Those local sources also say the prison held up to 6,000 inmates.
Life in the Camp
Dzaleka is not just a settlement site. It is also a place where people run businesses, attend school, take part in religious life, organise community groups, and build cultural projects.
One of the best-known cultural events linked to the camp is the Tumaini Festival, which was founded in 2014. The festival brings together artists, residents, and visitors for music, performance, and discussion.
Current Pressure
The camp is overcrowded. Growth in population has put pressure on housing, sanitation, health services, education, and livelihoods. Many residents have also been in displacement for years, which has made Dzaleka a long-term settlement rather than a short-term camp.
Camp Zones
Dzaleka is divided into zones for community and administrative purposes. Zones Includes:
- Lisungwi
- Kawale 1 & 2
- Likuni 1 & 2
- Zomba
- Blantyre
- Katubza
- New Katubza
- Dzaleka Hill
Video
For a short visual introduction to the camp, watch this video:
Learn More
Last reviewed: 9 April 2026. Population figures change over time, so this page should be updated when new official data is published.