In Malundi, Malawi, Shalom Maholo is breaking barriers as the first Malawian woman to bolt a new climbing route, named Zikomo, meaning “thank you” in Chichewa. Climbing is a niche sport that has gained popularity worldwide, with the sport debuting at the 2020 Summer Olympics and being featured again at the upcoming Paris Olympics. Malawi’s soaring granite rock faces have drawn comparisons to Yosemite National Park, a global climbing hub, but the country has yet to reach 50 climbing routes.
Shalom is part of a diverse group of volunteers, including men, women, and climbers of different ages, working to develop new climbing routes and promote climbing in Malawi. The Climb Centre in Lilongwe, operated by Climb Malawi, is at the forefront of this cause. In a country where two-thirds of the population lives on less than $2 per day, climbing as a sport can be expensive, with climbing shoes alone costing at least $30. However, Climb Malawi ensures that no one is turned away due to lack of funds, with costs subsidized through voluntary donations.
With the support of the Global Climbing Initiative, Malawi is training a new generation of climbers and route setters. Challenges include the lack of availability of climbing equipment in the country, relying on donations, imports, and volunteers to provide necessary gear. Malawi is also heavily affected by extreme weather events, such as flooding and extreme heat, which can limit climbing opportunities. The biggest challenge remains attracting more Malawians to the sport, as climbing is still far from mainstream.
Despite the challenges, climbers like Celebrate Nhlane, 18, are inspired by pioneers like Shalom and are eager to contribute to the climbing community in Malawi. Celebrate, a regular at the Climb Centre, never imagined she would have the opportunity to bolt new climbing routes in the country, but witnessing Shalom’s achievements has sparked her own ambitions. As more Malawians like Celebrate become involved in climbing, the sport has the potential to thrive and make Malawi an appealing destination for climbers worldwide.
Climbing has the potential to become a major tourist attraction in Malawi, with its stunning granite rock faces and scenic landscapes. The development of new climbing routes and the promotion of climbing as a sport for all, regardless of gender or nationality, are key goals for organizations like Climb Malawi. By removing barriers and inspiring more Malawians to get involved in climbing, the country can tap into its climbing potential and become a thriving hub for climbers of all backgrounds.
