M3 road (Malawi)

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The M3 Road in Malawi is a major southern route running from Blantyre north to the Mozambican border at Chiponde, where it becomes Mozambique’s N13 toward Cuamba. The road is about 276 km (171 miles) long and passes through Blantyre, Zomba and Mangochi.

Key details:
- Ends: South end at Blantyre (M1/M2 junction); North end at Chiponde border (N13).
- Route features: climbs from Blantyre up to about 1,000 meters near Zomba, then descends to around 500 meters as it crosses the Shire River at Liwonde. It runs along the west side of Lake Malombe and meets the M10 in Mangochi before heading toward the border.
- Surface: the M3 is paved up to Chiponde. The Mozambican side continues as the N13, which is paved to Cuamba.
- Major bridges/upgrades: Liwonde Bridge over the Shire River was rebuilt in 2018; Mangochi Bridge was upgraded to a concrete box bridge in 1999. The Blantyre–Zomba section was upgraded between 2013 and 2015.
- Significance: the route has long been important for Malawi’s development, linking Blantyre, Zomba and Mangochi and connecting Malawi with Mozambique. It is part of the Malawi National Transport Master Plan.