THE PUBLIC ROAD NETWORK
The Classified Road Network
The Malawi classified public road network is 15,451 Km, of which 4,312 Km (about 28%) are paved and 11,139 Km (72%) are unpaved and mostly of earth standard.
| Road Class | Paved (Km) | Unpaved (Km) | Total (Km) |
| Main | 2,976 | 381 | 3,357 |
| Secondary | 513 | 2,612 | 3,125 |
| Tertiary | 44 | 4,077 | 4,121 |
| District | 8 | 3,492 | 3,500 |
| Urban | 771 | 577 | 1,348 |
| Totals | 4,312 | 11,139 | 15,451 |
Source: Roads Authority (2017)
The Paved Road Network Condition
The condition of the paved road network is such that 38% are in good condition, 40% are in fair condition and 22% are in poor condition.
| Road Condition | Paved (Km) | Percentage |
| Good condition | 1,639 | 38% |
| Fair condition | 1,725 | 40% |
| Poor condition | 948 | 22% |
| Totals | 4,312 | 100% |
Source: Roads Authority (2014 Road Condition Survey)
Management of the Public Road Network
The management of the public road network is carried out by different institutions depending on the road class. The Roads Authority is responsible for the management of the trunk roads (i.e. the main, secondary and tertiary roads) and Local Authorities (i.e. City, Town, Municipal or District Councils) are responsible for the management of district and urban roads within their jurisdictions.
| Road Class | Total (Km) | Responsibility |
| Main | 3,357 | Roads Authority |
| Secondary | 3,125 | Roads Authority |
| Tertiary | 4,121 | Roads Authority |
| District | 3,500 | Local Authorities |
| Urban | 1,348 | Local Authorities |
| Totals | 15,451 |
Due to capacity challenges under most Local Authorities, the management of district and unban roads is currently being supported by the Roads Authority.