How did Zambia and Malawi gain independence?

Zambia and Malawi gained independence in 1964 following the dissolution of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, a British colonial political unit established in 1953 that included Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia), Nyasaland (now Malawi), and Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe).12

The federation was deeply unpopular among the African populations of Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland, who feared it would entrench white minority rule dominated by Southern Rhodesia. This opposition fueled the rise of powerful nationalist movements. In 1959, widespread unrest in Nyasaland led to a state of emergency and the detention of nationalist leaders, which convinced the British government that power needed to be transferred to the African majority.234

By 1963, the federation was dissolved. Independence followed shortly after:25
* Malawi became independent on July 6, 1964, under the leadership of Hastings Kamuzu Banda.35
* Zambia became independent on October 24, 1964, led by Kenneth Kaunda and the United National Independence Party.67