The High Commission is accredited not only to The United Kingdom but also to Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. It also covers international organisations based in the United Kingdom and the other countries of accreditation. The role of the mission is, therefore, to strengthen Malawi's bilateral and multilateral relations with the countries and international organisations which it covers.

In this respect, it promotes trade, investment, tourism, development assistance and humanitarian support. It also provides consular services to Malawians and to foreign nationals. One function which has become increasingly important is engagement with the diaspora and charities. Some of the mission's work is supported by Malawi's Honorary Consuls, especially in the countries to which it is accredited on a non-residential basis.