The Ministry of Foreign affairs is responsible for the promotion of Malawi’s interests internationally, with an emphasis on development diplomacy. Embassies work to facilitate and coordinate economic activities relating to trade, tourism, investment and foreign assistance, as well as activities regarding regional and international cooperation and integration. Malawi maintains excellent diplomatic relations with many Western and African countries. Embassies and other foreign missions can be contacted for information on consular matters such as visas, passports and travel.
Bilateral co-operation exists between Malawi and many countries, and around 17 foreign embassies or consulates are located there. The Norwegian Government has committed itself to assist development efforts in the country, emphasised on strengthening civil society. The German Embassy, which has been in the country since independence in 1964, is the link between the Malawi Government and the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and German development agencies. The German embassy has funds at its disposal for the realisation of small grant projects, and works directly with local NGOs and communities to finance their development projects.
The primary objective of Malawi’s embassies and high commissions abroad is to facilitate the promotion of sustainable development, economic growth, tourism and trade competitiveness. They also work to cultivate and strengthen areas of economic and political co-operation and to promote and attract foreign investment and aid. The Department of Political Affairs, under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is charged with the responsibility of promoting Malawi’s economic interests abroad, and through active development diplomacy, securing investment and foreign aid for the country.
