[1] Historically, the M2 has served as the primary artery connecting Malawi to Mozambique, facilitating trade and commerce through the strategic port city of Quelimane.

Notably, the road linking Blantyre to Mulanje was one of the few paved routes at the time of independence in 1964, although its narrow width limited its capacity.

Later, in the late 2000s, the section connecting the M1 to the eastern part of Blantyre was also widened to dual carriageways, further enhancing the road's capacity and efficiency.

From its starting point in Blantyre, the M2 road initially follows a dual-carriageway path through the city, before turning south and deviating from the more direct eastern route taken by the M4.

Finally, the M2 reaches the Mozambican border at Thornwood, where it seamlessly connects with the N11, leading onwards to the historic port city of Quelimane.