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Coat of arms of the Republic of MalawiMalawi Honorary Consulate Generalin the Republic of Mauritius

The Consulate General

Malawi–Mauritius Relations

Malawi and Mauritius are partners in the same regional and international organisations. Both are members of the Commonwealth, the United Nations, the African Union, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and both are parties to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

This page sets out that common ground and the areas in which the Consulate General works to bring the two countries closer together.

Common ground

Shared Foundations

Malawi became independent on 6 July 1964 and Mauritius on 12 March 1968. Each joined the Commonwealth in its year of independence and was admitted to the United Nations shortly afterwards — Malawi on 1 December 1964, Mauritius on 24 April 1968.

In southern and eastern Africa the two countries sit at the same tables. Malawi is a founding member of SADC; Mauritius joined in 1995 as the Community's first island state. Both belong to COMESA and were among the Member States that launched the COMESA Free Trade Area on 31 October 2000. Both signed the AfCFTA Agreement on 21 March 2018 and have since ratified it.

English is the official language of both countries. In Mauritius, French and Creole are widely spoken as well, which is why this website is offered in English and in French.

The two countries are also very different, and that is part of the interest. Malawi is a landlocked country on the shores of Lake Malawi, with an economy built on agriculture. Mauritius is an island state in the Indian Ocean with a strong services and financial sector.

The national flags of Malawi and Mauritius side by side

Diplomatic and Consular Ties

Malawi's diplomatic relations with Mauritius are managed on a non-residential basis by the Malawi High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa. On 16 November 2022 Malawi's High Commissioner presented her Letters of Credence in Port Louis and named education, health and tourism among the priority areas for cooperation.

The Consulate General adds a presence in Mauritius itself. It assists Malawian nationals on the island, guides residents of Mauritius who wish to travel to Malawi, and acts as a first point of contact for businesses and institutions in both countries.

About the Consulate General

Trade and investment

Economic Framework

Trade between Malawi and Mauritius takes place within the rules of SADC and COMESA, of which both countries are members, and increasingly within the African Continental Free Trade Area.

The investment promotion agencies of the two countries have a formal link: the Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (MITC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with its Mauritian counterpart — today the Economic Development Board of Mauritius — on 7 February 2013.

According to the Mauritius Revenue Authority, an agreement for the avoidance of double taxation between Mauritius and Malawi has been negotiated and is awaiting signature. Until such an agreement is in force, investors should take advice on the tax rules that apply in each country.

Areas of Cooperation

These are the fields in which the Consulate General works to develop contacts between Malawi and Mauritius. They describe priorities, not results already achieved.

  • Trade and investment

    Introducing Mauritian companies and investors to opportunities in Malawi, and Malawian exporters to buyers in Mauritius. Mauritius is an established financial and investment centre for the African continent.

  • Tourism

    Presenting Malawi — Lake Malawi, its national parks and highlands — to travellers and tour operators in Mauritius, and encouraging contact between the tourism sectors of both countries.

  • Education and skills

    Supporting links between universities, colleges and training institutions, and assisting Malawians who study, or wish to study, in Mauritius.

  • Agriculture, fisheries and the blue economy

    Encouraging exchange between Malawi's experience in agriculture and inland fisheries and Mauritius's experience in agro-processing and the ocean economy.

  • Culture and sport

    Fostering cultural, sporting and people-to-people exchange, including with the Malawian community in Mauritius.

  • Regional integration

    Working with Mauritian partners on shared interests within SADC, COMESA, the African Union and the Commonwealth.

Two Countries, One Region

Aerial view of the harbour of Port Louis, capital of Mauritius
A canoeist on Lake Malawi in golden evening light
Aerial view of the Le Morne peninsula and lagoon in Mauritius

Milestones

Dates that frame the relationship between the two countries.

  1. 6 July 1964

    Independence of Malawi

    Malawi becomes independent, joins the Commonwealth and is admitted to the United Nations on 1 December 1964.

  2. 12 March 1968

    Independence of Mauritius

    Mauritius becomes independent, joins the Commonwealth and is admitted to the United Nations on 24 April 1968.

  3. April 1980

    Malawi co-founds the regional community

    Malawi is a founding member of the Southern African Development Coordination Conference, the forerunner of today's SADC.

  4. December 1994

    COMESA is formed

    The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa replaces the former Preferential Trade Area. Malawi and Mauritius are both Member States.

  5. 28 August 1995

    Mauritius joins SADC

    Mauritius becomes the twelfth Member State of SADC and the first island state to join.

  6. 31 October 2000

    COMESA Free Trade Area

    Malawi and Mauritius are among the Member States that launch the COMESA Free Trade Area.

  7. 7 February 2013

    Investment promotion agreement

    The Malawi Investment and Trade Centre and the investment promotion agency of Mauritius sign a Memorandum of Understanding.

  8. 21 March 2018

    African Continental Free Trade Area

    Both countries sign the AfCFTA Agreement in Kigali. Mauritius deposits its instrument of ratification on 7 October 2019, Malawi on 15 January 2021.

  9. 16 November 2022

    Presentation of credentials in Port Louis

    Malawi's High Commissioner, resident in Pretoria, presents her Letters of Credence in Mauritius.

Working with Malawi

Find out about trade and investment opportunities in Malawi, or contact the Consulate General with your enquiry.

Trade & InvestmentContact
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