Malawi Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
Malawi's net migration was -5,628 in 2025, ranked 80th globally. This represents a 273.5% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Malawi's net migration stood at -5,628 in 2025, a decline of +4,121 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -4,829 by 2026. Malawi ranked 80th globally.
Malawi’s net migration figure stood at –5,628.00 in 2025, placing the country 80th in the world and closely mirroring the –5,645.00 recorded for North Macedonia. The trajectory from a zero baseline in 1960 to a dramatic peak of 271,693.00 in 1987 reflects a period of strong in‑country labor demand and relative political stability that attracted migrants. This was reversed in the early 1990s, when the all‑time trough of –505,365.00 in 1994 coincided with economic contraction, agricultural shocks and heightened border controls, prompting a substantial outflow. Over the 66‑year coverage, the net migration balance has oscillated between these extremes, with the recent negative figure indicating a persistent out‑migration pressure, likely driven by limited employment opportunities and climate‑related vulnerabilities. Should structural reforms expand productive sectors and improve resilience to environmental stress, the out‑migration trend could moderate, potentially shifting the balance toward a more neutral or positive net migration outlook.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | -5,269 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | -5,049 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | -4,829 | - | - |
| 2025 | -5,628 | −4,121 | #80 |
| 2024 | -1,507 | +4,304 | #100 |
| 2023 | -5,811 | −580 | #61 |
| 2022 | -5,231 | −2,565 | #61 |
| 2021 | -2,666 | −11 | #81 |
| 2020 | -2,655 | −818 | #78 |
| 2019 | -1,837 | +1,430 | #98 |
| 2018 | -3,267 | −4,249 | #79 |
| 2017 | 982 | −2,523 | #128 |
| 2016 | 3,505 | +9,976 | #139 |
| 2015 | -6,471 | +3,846 | #78 |
| 2014 | -10,317 | +2,617 | #68 |
| 2013 | -12,934 | +627 | #60 |
| 2012 | -13,561 | −1,391 | #62 |
| 2011 | -12,170 | −2,843 | #66 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Malawi matched the Currency Crisis Pattern pattern in 2016. Historically, 27% of countries showing this pattern (35 out of 128) saw net migration improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Malawi's net migration was -5,628 in 2025. Ranked 80th globally. This represents a 273.5% decrease from the previous year.
Malawi's net migration peaked at 271,693 in 1987.
The lowest net migration in Malawi was -505,365 in 1994.
Malawi ranks 80th globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
Malawi's net migration is projected to reach -4,829 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of Malawi in 2025 was -5,628. This ranks 80th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_malawi_net-migration,
title = {Malawi Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/malawi/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}