Hora Mountain has emerged as a potential global heritage landmark following the discovery of a 9,500-year-old cremation pyre at its foot believed by researchers to be the oldest ever recorded in human history.
The landmark finding has prompted Inkosi ya Makosi M’mbelwa V to call for urgent and coordinated investment to transform the area into a major cultural and tourism hub.
The Ngoni Paramount Chief made the call on Tuesday during a high-level consultative meeting with Members of Parliament from Mzimba District and traditional leaders, convened to discuss development priorities for the area.
He said the archaeological discovery presents a rare opportunity for Malawi to position itself prominently on the global historical and cultural map while generating economic benefits for local communities.
“This discovery is not only important to Mzimba or the Ngoni people, but to the whole world, We must move quickly and deliberately to protect this site and develop it in a way that preserves our heritage while creating economic opportunities through tourism,” said Inkosi M’mbelwa V.
The ancient cremation pyre has attracted international interest from archaeologists and historians, who say it provides critical insight into early human burial practices. However, the Paramount Chief warned that without proper protection, infrastructure, and effective management, the site risks degradation or irreversible loss.
Central to his proposal is the establishment of a dedicated museum at Hora Mountain. Inkosi M’mbelwa V said the facility would serve as a repository for the preservation, documentation, and exhibition of the ancient remains, while also functioning as an educational centre for both Malawians and international visitors.
“A museum is not optional; it is essential,” he stressed. “It will help future generations understand the deep history of this land and position Hora Mountain as a symbol of Malawi’s ancient civilisation.”
Former Vice President and Member of Parliament for Mzimba South West, Khumbo Kachali, welcomed the proposal, saying legislators from the district have agreed to unite behind the initiative. He described the project as a strategic investment with the potential to boost foreign exchange earnings through increased tourism.
“This is a unique asset that very few countries can claim, As MPs, we see this as an opportunity to diversify Malawi’s tourism sector beyond traditional destinations and bring meaningful development to Mzimba,” said Kachali
Kachali added that the development of Hora Mountain could create employment opportunities, stimulate small and medium-sized enterprises, and drive improvements in infrastructure, including roads, accommodation facilities, and related services in surrounding communities.
Mzimba District Commissioner for M’mbelwa District Council, Emmanuel Bulukutu, said the council has already identified Hora Mountain as a priority area in its development agenda. He noted that plans are underway to integrate the site into broader cultural, economic, and tourism strategies for the district.
“Developing Hora Mountain aligns perfectly with our long-term vision of turning Mzimba into a significant cultural and economic hub, We are committed to working with traditional authorities, central government, and development partners to ensure this project succeeds,” said Bulukutu
Bulukutu emphasised that community participation will be central to the sustainability of the initiative, noting that residents must directly benefit from tourism-related activities to foster long-term protection and ownership of the site.
The consultative meeting concluded with calls for further engagement with the Ministry of Tourism, the Department of Antiquities, and international partners to mobilise technical expertise and funding.
If successfully implemented, leaders believe Hora Mountain could become one of Malawi’s most important heritage sites, attracting scholars, tourists, and investors from across the world.
