Malawi’s Ministry of Transport Advocates for Enhanced Export Capacity

David Mzandu, Malawi’s Secretary for Transport, has urged for increased exports to balance imports and leverage the Nacala Corridor’s development. At the Tripartite Meeting, he discussed the corridor’s potential to reduce transport costs and enhance trade among Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia. The initiative, funded by the World Bank, is part of the SATCP and aims to complete by 2027, fostering regional economic opportunities.

The Secretary for Transport and Public Works in Malawi, David Mzandu, has emphasized the importance of increasing the nation’s export capacity beyond its import levels to maximize the advantages offered by the development of the Nacala Corridor. His remarks were made during the 9th Tripartite Meeting of the Nacala Development Corridor Management Committee held in Lilongwe, which aims to assess ongoing projects and foster collaborative efforts among stakeholders.

Mzandu expressed optimism about the corridor’s potential, stating that it would significantly lower cargo landing costs, which currently involve high expenses due to transporting goods primarily via road from Beira and Dar es Salaam. The successful development of the Nacala Corridor will provide more cost-effective logistical solutions for Malawi.

The meeting convened various stakeholders, including private sector representatives from Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia, to evaluate progress and explore regional trade integration. The objective of this initiative is to minimize transportation costs while enhancing trade among the three participating nations.

Ambrósio Adolfo Sitoe, Mozambique’s Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, noted that the corridor’s advancement will create new opportunities for handling current and future cargo, addressing current constraints posed by inadequate facilities. He emphasized that this project represents a vital chance for economic development and bolstered regional integration.

The Nacala Corridor is supported by the World Bank as a part of the Southern Africa Trade Connectivity Project (SATCP), initiated in 2021, with a projected completion date in 2027. The initiative aims to facilitate trade, foster economic growth, and improve infrastructure across southern Africa.

The discussions at the Nacala Development Corridor Management Committee highlight the urgency for Malawi to enhance its export capabilities as part of a collective effort to maximize benefits from the Nacala Corridor. With significant stakeholder engagement and World Bank support, this initiative aims to overhaul regional transport costs and facilitate trade, promising substantial economic development opportunities. The project represents an important step toward greater regional integration, planned for completion by 2027.

Original Source: www.nyasatimes.com