The Malawian flag was created on Jul 6, 1964. With the rising sun representing a new beginning with hope and freedom for the whole of the African continent. As when the flag was being created in 1964, many african countries were just being granted their independance.

The black around this rising sun represents the Malawian people and those in the African continent. The red symbolises the martyrs of African freedom, and the green nature.
  
The Malawi flag is said to resemble the pan-african flag designed by Marcus Garvey's UNIA, with the red and black bands flipped and the red sun set in the top. It also displays links to the now deceased Republic of Biafra. The colours used in the flag are also used to clarify the Standard british colours at the time.