Department of National Records and Archives Services of Malawi

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Department of National Records and Archives Services of Malawi Conservation and Preservation of Malawi's Documentary Heritage The Department has the Records Management Services and Public Archives departments.

The department of National Records and Archives Services of Malawi (NRAS) formerly known as the National Archives is public institution in the Ministry of Local Government Unity and Culture. Established in 1947, the department is mandated to collect, organize, preserve and make the country’s documentary heritage accessible to the public for purposes of reference, research and posterity. The Head o

ffice is in Zomba with branches in Lilongwe and Mzuzu. The Department implements the National Archives Act of 1975 and the Printed Publications Act of 1969 and performs the following functions:
i. Regulate the creation, classification, maintenance and disposal of public records
regardless of media;
ii. Provide economic storage accommodation for semi-current government records;
iii. Provide advisory services regarding the creation, maintenance and disposal of records;
iv. Conserve archival documents in order to enhance their lifespan;
v. Provide reference services for Government records and published information resources
deposited in the National Archives of Malawi;
vi. Preserve historical manuscripts and oral history research programmes for Malawi;
vii. Register newspapers and preserve printed works published in Malawi;
viii. Promote bibliographic services and research through the publication of the
Malawi National Bibliography and other select bibliographies on issues of national
interest; and
ix. Administer the use and application of the International Standard Book Numbering
(ISBN) system in Malawi and provide advisory service to publishers in the country with
regard to the application of the system.

18/03/2026
Today, we celebrate the life and legacy of John Chilembwe—a beacon of courage, sacrifice, and the enduring struggle for ...
15/01/2026

Today, we celebrate the life and legacy of John Chilembwe—a beacon of courage, sacrifice, and the enduring struggle for freedom.🙏🏾

The Minister of Sports and Culture, Honourable Patricia Wiskes, on 8 January, injected renewed energy and a strong sense...
08/01/2026

The Minister of Sports and Culture, Honourable Patricia Wiskes, on 8 January, injected renewed energy and a strong sense of purpose at the National Records and Archives Services Headquarters in Zomba following her familiarisation tour and ministerial briefing.
The engagement reinforced the institution’s mandate to preserve records of national importance in various formats. Staff were encouraged by the Minister’s message, as the National Records and Archives reaffirmed its commitment to professional records management and archiving services in service of the nation.

Follow our official page for updates on records management, archival services, public notices, and initiatives aimed at ...
26/11/2025

Follow our official page for updates on records management, archival services, public notices, and initiatives aimed at preserving Malawi’s documentary heritage.

The Director of the National Records and Archives Services of Malawi, Dr Paul Lihoma presided over the launch of the fir...
24/11/2025

The Director of the National Records and Archives Services of Malawi, Dr Paul Lihoma presided over the launch of the first-ever conference of the Association for Records Managers and Archivists (ARMA).

Join us at the First Annual Conference for Records Managers & Archivists — the first-ever event in Malawi bringing toget...
02/10/2025

Join us at the First Annual Conference for Records Managers & Archivists — the first-ever event in Malawi bringing together Archivists, Librarians, Knowledge Experts, and Information Managers under one roof!

Dates: 20th – 21st November 2025

Venue: Lakeshore, Kambiri Beach Resort, Salima, Malawi

Theme: Leveraging Technologies in Records and Archives Management

This landmark event will provide a platform for networking, sharing knowledge, and exploring the latest innovations shaping the future of records and archives.

For more info, contact: [email protected]

03/09/2025



National Records and Archives Services says it has intensified efforts to ensure that government offices submit official records to its offices, as stipulated by the country’s laws.

Regional Records Officer for the North, Heinz Kaposa, made the remarks in Chitipa District during a meeting aimed at enlightening government officials on proper record-keeping practices and the submission of government records.

Kaposa told MBC that his office has established that there are cases of misdocumentation and poor filing of records in most public offices, a situation that is costing government highly, with some court cases lost due to lack of adequate past documents to defend its position.

Kaposa further warned public officials to properly keep and submit records to their offices, stressing that the Access to Information Act provides that failure to do so is punishable by law.

Principal Human Resource Management Officer for Chitipa District, Lameck Mangisa, acknowledged the challenge and explained that lack of awareness on proper record-keeping and inadequate office space are some of the reasons why most government documents end up being destroyed.

Similar awareness meetings are expected to take place in other districts in the Northen Region.

By Chisomo Manda

UNESCO-Funded Training on Digitisation of Early Church Manuscripts Underway in DedzaA comprehensive training program on ...
25/07/2025

UNESCO-Funded Training on Digitisation of Early Church Manuscripts Underway in Dedza

A comprehensive training program on the digitisation of early church manuscripts is currently taking place at Mountain View Lodge in Dedza. The initiative, sponsored by UNESCO, aims to equip participants with essential skills in the preservation and digital archiving of Malawi’s oldest and most valuable religious texts.

The program has drawn together church leaders and archivists to safeguard this crucial part of the country’s spiritual and cultural heritage for future generations.

Join us for our exclusive training " Management of Procurement and contract records, to be held at Linde Motel, Dowa, fr...
07/06/2025

Join us for our exclusive training " Management of Procurement and contract records, to be held at Linde Motel, Dowa, from 28th July to 1st August 2025. See more details below.👇🏾

Audiovisual heritage brings memories to life, letting us relive moments and places from the past. But can you identify w...
19/10/2024

Audiovisual heritage brings memories to life, letting us relive moments and places from the past. But can you identify where this place is located? What country, city, and street? The answer may reveal more than just a location.
More images to come :)

Address

P. O. Box 62, Nkurichi Road
Zomba
265

Opening Hours

Monday 08:30 - 16:30
Tuesday 08:30 - 16:30
Wednesday 08:30 - 16:30
Thursday 08:30 - 16:30
Friday 08:30 - 16:30

Telephone

+2651525240

Website

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