The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the link between the Government of the Republic of Malawi and the International Community.  It is responsible for formulating, implementing and monitoring the Malawi Foreign Policy and the Malawi Diaspora Engagement Policy.

     The Foreign Policy is a codification of the guidelines, principles and norms that assist Malawi to relate with other states or bodies in the international political and economic systems in order for the country to achieve its development goals and further its national interests. The thrust of Foreign Policy of the Malawi Government is development diplomacy, hence the Ministry places emphasis on facilitating activities aimed at foreign aid mobilization, attraction of foreign investment, promotion of tourism and the expansion and diversification of export markets in order to derive optimal benefits from globalization.  Recognizing that peace is the major pre-requisite for sustainable development, the Ministry, through bilateral and multilateral arrangements, contributes to efforts related to maintenance of peace and security.  The Ministry, therefore, participates in activities related to governance and human rights issues, conflict prevention, resolution and management, disarmament and the fight against international terrorism.

    The Malawi Diaspora Engagement Policy seeks to harness the potential of the Malawians living in foreign countries to maintain links with their home country with the ultimate aim of contributing to Malawi's socio-economic development.

    In performing its mandate, the Ministry works in close liaison with other Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) that are responsible for the implementation of various international commitment that Malawi has undertaken.  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in this respect plays a facilitating and coordinating role between these institutions and other countries and international organizations.  The Ministry also maintains close relationships with foreign missions and international organizations accredited to Malawi both on residential and non-residential basis.

   The Ministry has been restructured and reorganized along geopolitical regions to ease the collaboration with counterpart Ministries of Foreign Affairs worldwide.