Mozambique and Malawi are drawing up plans to build two strategic dry ports on the Beira and Nacala corridors. These initiatives are part of the strategies outlined to make the Southern African Trade and Connectivity Project viable, which aims to boost economic prosperity and facilitate the free movement of people and goods along the region’s existing corridors.
The Mozambican Minister of Transport and Communications, Mateus Magala, announced the intention during a bilateral meeting with Malawi’s Minister of Transport and Public Works. The construction of these dry ports represents a significant step in the search for improvements in transport infrastructure, strengthening economic ties between the two countries and promoting greater efficiency in logistics operations.
During the working meetings, the governments of Mozambique and Malawi discussed the revision and full implementation of the Beira development corridor, as well as the harmonisation of road transport procedures and operations. These actions cover aspects such as licensing, inspection and taxation, seeking to create a more facilitating environment for trade and regional connectivity.
Minister Magala expressed confidence in the work carried out by the technical teams that the foundations are being laid for a new normal in cooperation and collaboration between the two countries. He said: “We are confident in the work carried out by the technical teams and convinced that the foundations are being laid for a new normal in cooperation and collaboration, from which Mozambique expects concrete results for the development of the two economies and the improvement of the lives of the communities.”
It is important to note that this move towards collaboration is not isolated, as Mozambique, Malawi and Zambia recently signed a tripartite agreement on rail and road transport. This pact reaffirms, at a high level, the determination of these three nations the Nacala corridor, consolidating a regional approach to strengthening transport infrastructures and boosting sustainable economic development. Trilateral co-operation promises to open up new perspectives for trade and connectivity in southern Africa, fostering closer collaboration between the nations involved.
