Background

Malawi was a British Central African Protectorate from 1907 until1953 when it became a part of the Federation of Northern and Southern Rhodesia under Ian Smith. The Federation comprised the then Nyasaland (now Malawi), Zambia and Zimbabwe. The united federation was the genesis of a lasting bond of sisterhood and friendship between Malawi and Zimbabwe as they were now one country.

The relationship between the two states soured when Nyasaland got its independence on 6 July, 1964 and was renamed Malawi. Diplomatic relations dated way back continue with Zimbabwe up to now. These relations got even stronger after  Zimbabwe gained independence in 1980. Due to this relationship, there are many Malawians in Zimbabwe. Malawians came to work in the mines, farms and the railway line.