WHO WE ARE
MALAWI ARMY
pio@mdf.gov.mw
+265 992674140
To conduct military operations in defence of the constitution, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Malawi and its national interests.
To be an appropriately sized, highly trained and suitably equipped Defence Force which will perform its tasks of upholding the constitution in a unique, resourceful and conventional manner.
“ Embracing the Philosophy of Soldiers First,” General Paul Velentino Phiri, MSM, psc, ndc, PhD.
The Malawi Defence Force (MDF) is the only military force provided for and regulated by the Republican Constitution (Section 159). Its mandate is derived from Section 160 (1) and is responsible for defending Malawi. The Defence Force operates under the direction of democratically elected civil authorities. It adheres to democratic principles, respects human rights, and upholds the rule of law in its operations and interactions with civilian authorities and the population.
The Malawi Defence Force (MDF) is the only military force constituted in Malawi. It comprises Malawi Army (Land Forces), Malawi Air Force (MAF), Malawi Maritime Force (MMF) and Malawi National Service (MNS). Section 159 of the Republican Constitution mandates the formation of MDF and the Defence Force Act of 2024 stipulates its composition. The President of the Republic of Malawi is the Commander-in-Chief and has the ultimate responsibility of the Defence Force. However, any power conferred on the President shall only be exercised on the recommendation of the Defence Council which is constituted under an Act of Parliament and includes the Minister responsible for Defence and the High Command of the Defence Forces of Malawi. The Defence Force Commander is the highest-ranking military officer based at the Joint Headquarters. He is the Principal Military Advisor to the Commander-in-Chief.
Our Vision is to have a well trained land force with latest fighting and combat capabilities that can swiftly respond to contemporary emerging threat and security concerns with sound logistical support .
Our vision is to have a patriotic and highly professional Air Force, capable of defending Malawi air space, territorial integrity and national interests.
Our vision is to have a well-trained force equipped with seaworthy watercraft and sound logistical support.
Our Service shall be a "fit for purpose" organization with requisite human expertise and suitably equipped for the execution of developmental and production oriented as well as internal security tasks in contribution to the fulfilment of Malawi Defence Force's obligation to the achievement of human security for the Republic of Malawi.
Whether you are joining as a soldier or an officer, joining begins with submitting an application following an advertisement which the institution releases in the mainstream media.
To join the Malawi Defence Force, you need to meet a set of basic requirements focusing on your age, nationality, academic qualifications, and health and fitness.
If you wish to pursue a career as a regular soldier, you need to be a Malawian without any criminal record, not less than 165 cm tall for men and 158 cm tall for women, physically, mentally and medically fit, be aged between 18 and 24, single and without children, possess a minimum qualification of Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) and be prepared to undergo an intensive basic military training.
If you wish to pursue a career as an officer, the requirements are similar to those of regular soldiers with some differences in age and qualifications. All applying as Officer Cadets should be aged between 18 and 28 and have a minimum qualification of a First Degree from a recognised and accredited Institution of higher learning.
Applications are supposed to be in own handwriting with copies of education qualification sent by post to:
The Chief of Human Resource Management and Development
Malawi Defence Force Headquarters
Kamuzu Barracks
Private Bag 43
Lilongwe
The Malawi Defence Force recruits specialists in various fields like engineering, finance, IT and Communication, Medical, Logistics, Artisans, Library Assistants, Bandsmen, teachers and lawyers. Applicants are supposed to have qualifications relevant to the roles.
For currently available vacancies, Click Here.
