Malawi–Zambia relations to cooperate in the development of the Shire Zambezi Waterway, to allow for the transportation of goods in the area, and promote trade. It would benefit Malawi and Zambia by reducing the transportation costs since they are landlocked. Malawi–Zambia relations Malawi and Zambia have had a close history for a long time. They share common values, history, language, culture, and border. They were one country, along with Zimbabwe, under the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland. Malawi has a large Zambian diaspora and Zambia has a large Malawian diaspora. Both countries are members of the Commonwealth of Nations. This agreement was
Zambia Democratic Republic of Congo (47,300 refugees from the DRC living in Zambia in 2007), Angola (27,100; see Angolans in Zambia), Zimbabwe (5,400) and Rwanda (4,900). Beginning in May 2008, the number of Zimbabweans in Zambia also began to increase significantly; the influx consisted largely of Zimbabweans formerly living in South Africa who were fleeing xenophobic violence there. Nearly 60,000 refugees live in camps in Zambia, while 50,000 are mixed in with the local populations. Refugees who wish to work in Zambia must apply for official permits which can cost up to $500 per year. Zambia is officially a Christian nation