Complete guide

How to find software developers in Malawi

Malawi
March 1, 2023
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Malawi is a landlocked country located in southeast Africa. It is bordered by Zambia, Mozambique, and Tanzania. The population of Malawi is approximately 17.5 million people and the official language is English. The economy is largely agricultural and the main exports are tobacco, sugar, tea, and coffee. Malawi is also known for its beautiful lake, Lake Malawi, which covers a large portion of the country. The main tourist attractions include its national parks, where visitors can see a variety of wildlife.

Why Malawi is a good place to find developers

Developer statistics in Malawi

Unfortunately, there is very limited data available on tech talent in Malawi. According to the World Bank, only 5.2% of the population has access to the internet. This suggests that there is a small pool of tech talent in the country, although the potential for growth is significant. Additionally, the Global Innovation Index ranks Malawi as the lowest-ranked country in sub-Saharan Africa for innovation, suggesting that there is a need for increased investment in the country's tech talent.

The tech ecosystem in Malawi

The tech ecosystem in Malawi is rapidly growing, with a strong focus on innovation and digital entrepreneurship. In the past few years, the country has seen an influx of tech startups, international tech companies, and investors. The government is also becoming increasingly supportive of the tech sector, with a focus on providing access to funding and resources. Additionally, the country is home to a number of tech hubs, incubators, and accelerators that provide support to local entrepreneurs.

Best tech meetups in Malawi

Attending local meetups is a great way of getting introduced  to technical talent and getting a better feel for what software developers care about.
These are the best local meetups:

1. Blantyre Tech Meetup
2. Lilongwe Tech Meetup
3. Mzuzu Tech Meetup
4. Kasungu Tech Meetup
5. Zomba Tech Meetup
6. Mangochi Tech Meetup
7. Nkhata Bay Tech Meetup
8. Salima Tech Meetup
9. Dedza Tech Meetup
10. Karonga Tech Meetup

Best methods to source and recruit talent in Malawi

There are many different ways to find and hire developers, some examples are:



1. Use specialized recruitment agencies: There are various specialized recruitment agencies in Malawi which offer services to source software development talent. These agencies have a large database of pre-screened professionals who can be matched to the requirements of your project.

2. Leverage online job boards: Online job boards such as LinkedIn, Monster, and Indeed are excellent resources for sourcing software development talent in Malawi. These job boards allow employers to post job openings and search for candidates based on their skills and experience.

3. Networking: Networking is an effective way to source software development talent in Malawi. Leverage your existing network of contacts to connect with potential candidates or participate in job fairs and industry events to meet potential candidates.

4. Use social media: Social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram are also great resources to source software development talent in Malawi. Post job openings on these platforms and use hashtags to reach a broader audience.

5. Utilize freelance websites: Freelance websites such as Upwork and Freelancer are excellent for sourcing software development talent in Malawi. You will be able to find experienced professionals who can work remotely on your project.

These are currently the best methods to find and hire developers:

Search LinkedIn, GitHub and Stack Overflow and reach out

The best way to find developer talent in Malawi is to find them in the places where they have an online profile and are active. Examples of those platforms are GitHub and Stack Overflow. LinkedIn can also be a valuable source.

Talent search engines can help you find developers online through a variety of sources. Most talent search engines also provide verified contact details so you can reach out to the talent you have found. In some cases these engines even automate a big part of the outreach process so you can reach hundreds of candidates per day.

An example of a talent search and engagement engine is HeroHunt.ai which can find 1 billion candidates worldwide and lets you reach out automatically with personalized messages.

Best job boards to find developers in Malawi

An alternative way to attract development talent is to post a job on a (local) job board.

These are the best local job boards to post your developer job on:

1. LinkedIn
2. Jobberman
3. Malawi Job Bank
4. Malawi Online Recruitment
5. Malawi Job Centre
6. JobWebMalawi
7. Malawi Employer Association
8. Malawi Employers’ Confederation
9. Malawi Times
10. Malawi News Agency

Best remote job boards to find developers in Malawi

If you are sourcing for remote talent then you can utilize remote specific job boards where you can post your remote job.

These are the best remote job boards to post your developer job on:

1. Upwork
2. Freelancer
3. Craigslist
4. Fiverr
5. Guru
6. PeoplePerHour
7. Remote.co
8. LinkedIn
9. FlexJobs
10. Malawi Job Board

How to hire software developers from any place without a local office

When you’re hiring software developers you need to be aware of the local average salaries in order to provide a competitive job offer. Below are the average salaries for software developers per experience level.

Average local salaries

Average salary for a junior software developer in Malawi

The average salary for a junior developer in Malawi is estimated to be around MWK 1,000,000 (approximately $1,350 USD) per year. This salary is typically determined by the amount of experience a junior developer has in the industry, as well as the specific job requirements of each position. Junior developers in Malawi may also receive benefits such as health insurance and other perks depending on the employer.

Average salary for a senior software developer in Malawi

The average salary for a senior developer in Malawi is not currently available. However, according to the most recent global salary survey from PayScale, the average salary for a software engineer in Malawi is around $36,000 per year. This salary can vary based on experience and qualifications. Senior developers typically earn more than the average due to their experience and expertise. It is likely that senior developers in Malawi would earn salaries similar to software engineers, but at the higher end of the range.

Employing software developers (remotely)

Maybe your company doesn't have an office (yet) in Malawi. But that doesn't mean you can't hire employees in Malawi. There are several options like EORs which can help employ developers legally according to the regulations in Malawi.



An Employer of Record (EOR) is an outsourcing solution which enables companies to do business in a particular country without having to set up an office or hire staff locally. This solution is commonly used by companies looking to expand into a new country or region. In Malawi, an EOR can be used to help companies with payroll, taxation, employment law compliance, and other HR matters.

1. Choose an EOR: First, you will need to research and select an EOR who is experienced in the Malawi market. Make sure they are up-to-date with the latest employment laws and regulations.

2. Establish the Employment Agreement: Once you have chosen an EOR, you will need to establish a formal employment agreement with the EOR which outlines the terms of the agreement and the responsibilities of both parties.

3. Hire Local Employees: Next, the EOR will help you to source and hire local employees in Malawi. The EOR will also ensure that any necessary legal paperwork is completed.

4. Manage Payroll: The EOR will manage payroll for the employees you have hired, ensuring that wages are paid on time and in accordance with Malawi’s labour laws.

5. Handle Compliance Issues: The EOR will also handle any compliance issues that arise in relation to the employees you have hired, such as tax obligations, work permits, and other HR matters.

6. Provide Support: The EOR should also provide ongoing support and advice to ensure that your business runs smoothly in Malawi.

Use a platform to find and hire the best developers:
Best platforms to employ developers worldwide

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