1964 – Malawi Gains Internal Self-Government

On June 3, 1964, Malawi, then known as Nyasaland, attained internal self-government from British colonial authorities. This milestone marked the beginning of the end of nearly 70 years of colonial rule. Under the leadership of Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda, the country’s transition toward sovereignty was part of a broader African liberation movement sweeping the continent. Though full independence would come a month later, this date marked the beginning of African-majority rule and the assertion of national identity. Dr. Banda would later become the first President of Malawi. This shift toward self-determination reflected a broader rejection of colonialism and racial subjugation in southern Africa. It paved the way for institutional development and Pan-African political alignment.