Transport and Public Works Secretary David Mzandu has called on Malawi to concentrate on increasing volumes of exports before imports in order to optimize the development of the Nacala Corridor. Speaking during the 9th Tripartite Meeting of the Nacala Development Corridor Management Committee in Lilongwe, Mzandu highlighted the significance of the platform in examining projects in progress, capitalizing on efforts, and directing future strategy.
“The corridor management is still in its infancy, and there is much work to be done. One key impact will be the reduction in cargo landing costs. Currently, much of Malawi’s cargo arrives by road from Beira and Dar es Salaam. With the full development of the Nacala Corridor, these costs will be significantly lower,” Mzandu stated.
The conference brought together major players from Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia, including private sector representatives, to assess developments and exchange experiences on improving the efficiency of trade in the region. The Nacala Corridor is projected to be a game-changer in lowering transportation costs and strengthening regional trade integration. By providing a cheaper and more efficient avenue for cargo transport, the project seeks to consolidate economic relations among the three countries and increase the export capacity of Malawi.
Mozambique’s Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport and Logistics, Ambrósio Adolfo Sitoe also highlighted the importance of the corridor development to create new opportunities for current and future cargo handling. He reported that poor facilities currently limit cargo handling and therefore the project is essential to the economy as well as regional integration.
Nacala Corridor development is one of the essential pillars of the Southern Africa Trade Connectivity Project (SATCP) supported by the World Bank, which was launched in 2021. The project, the implementation of which is aimed at being completed by 2027, seeks to improve transport infrastructure, reduce trade barriers, and deepen economic integration between Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia.
As its focus is on raising exports, Malawi wants to reap maximum benefits from the corridor. The project will lower the cost of transport, hence making Malawian goods competitive in regional and foreign markets. Additionally, improved logistics and infrastructure will ensure a more efficient supply chain, which will attract investors and diversify the economy.
Trade analysts argue that for Malawi to reap the full benefits of the Nacala Corridor, the government ought to implement policies that promote local production and stimulate export-oriented industries. They highlight the importance of ending the country’s excessive dependence on imports and developing domestic manufacturing to improve trade balance and generate foreign exchange.
The Nacala Corridor project success will also depend on collaboration among all three countries. Efficient coordination in infrastructure investment, customs practices, and trade policy will be central to its full potential. The stakeholders believe that once operational, the corridor will transform regional trade flows and contribute significantly to economic growth.
As Malawi works towards economic sustainability, the Nacala Corridor offers a strategic opportunity to reassert its presence in commerce. Through its focus on exports and logistics infrastructure development, the country is taking great leaps towards actualizing its vision for long-term development.
