[3] Historically, the M9 road held significant strategic importance due to its proximity to the Zambian border, than serving as the primary route to northwestern Malawi.

In 2021, efforts began to replace the Mnjiri Bridge near Mzimba and to pave a 241-kilometer section of the M9 and M24 roads, spanning from Rumphi to Chitipa and passing through Nyika National Park.

Shortly after Mzimba, the road transitions to a dirt path, winding through a remote region at an altitude of 1,200 meters, dotted with small villages.

Beyond Katumbi, the M9 ascends to a plateau at 2,000 meters, marking the highest point of any main road in Malawi, and closely follows the border with Zambia.

Continuing northward as a dirt road, the M9 traverses the highlands of northwest Malawi like the Mafinga Hills, passing through larger villages with brief stretches of pavement.