Sunbird Tourism rally lifts Malawi government’s stake above $200 million

Malawi Government’s stake in Sunbird Tourism Plc, held through MDC Limited, a dormant wholly owned investment company, has climbed above $200 million after the hospitality group’s share price doubled in early 2026 trading on the Malawi Stock Exchange (MSE).

Malawi Development Corporation (MDC), the state-owned investment arm and Sunbird’s majority shareholder, holds 71% of the hospitality and tourism company, equivalent to 185.72 million shares. 

Sunbird market cap crosses $290 million
This year alone, Sunbird’s shares have jumped 100%, rising from MWK977.5 ($0.56) at the start of the year 2026 to MWK1955.01 ($1.12). The rally has pushed Sunbird Tourism’s market capitalization above $294.6 million, cementing its position among Malawi’s 15 most valuable listed firms.

Riding this tide, the value of the 71% stake owned by the Government of Malawi has surged by MWK181.55 billion ($104.59 million), lifting its total market value to MWK363.09 billion ($209.17 million) from MWK181.55 billion ($104.58 million) 56 days earlier.

The surge reflects renewed investor confidence in Malawi’s leading hospitality group amid stronger earnings guidance and expansion efforts.

Profit outlook strengthens investor confidence
In December 2025, Sunbird projected profit after tax of between MWK13 billion ($7.5 million) and MWK15.1 billion ($8.7 million) for the year ended Dec. 31, 2025, representing growth of 23% to 43% compared to the prior year’s MWK10.6 billion ($6.11 million).

The improved outlook, combined with operational efficiency and expansion into conference tourism, has supported the company’s valuation re-rating.

Government stake rises sevenfold in two years
Two years ago, MDC’s 71% holding was valued at under $30 million when shares traded at MWK240.08. The latest rally has lifted the stake more than sevenfold to over $209 million.

Established by Parliament in 1964, MDC has recently repositioned itself as a development finance institution aligned with the Malawi 2063 agenda, deploying equity and debt capital into strategic sectors.

Expansion into tourism infrastructure
Founded in 1973, Sunbird operates nine properties, including city hotels, lakeside resorts along Lake Malawi and a mountain retreat in Zomba.

Earlier this month, Sunbird opened the Livingstonia International Conference Centre in Salima, investing $6.4 million to strengthen Malawi’s meetings and lakeside tourism offering.

Despite macroeconomic headwinds, disciplined cost management and measured expansion continue to support profitability, sustaining investor confidence in Malawi’s flagship hospitality group.