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 and Regional Diplomacy liberation of their country during the years of exile. Zambia's policy of liberation through diplomacy and discreet support for African nationalist movements within the region is most poignant in the South African case. Zambia has also provided key support to the liberation struggles of nearby Zimbabwe from their colonial rulers in the 1960's to 1970's. Specifically, Zambia provided armed and diplomatic support to Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU) and the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) during their struggles against the British backed Rhodesian government in the Rhodesian Bush War. Zambia provided limited arms and training towards Zimbabwe's African nationalist movements,