Southern African Trade and Connectivity Project (Malawi)
As part of the 9th Tripartite Meeting of the Nacala Development Corridor
Management Committee currently underway in Lilongwe, Malawi, a comprehensive panel
discussion focusing on the Nacala Corridor addressed key user experiences, challenges, and
investment opportunities as businesses utilized this critical trade route for transporting goods and services across Southern Africa.
The panel brought together representatives from prominent companies such as Petroleum
Importers Limited, Indigenous Customs Clearing and Forwarding Agents, Transporters
Association of Malawi, Central East African Railways and CDN and the Public Private
Partnership Commission, who shared their insights regarding efficiency, reliability, and
convenience in using the corridor. They discussed various operational realities and hurdles faced, including infrastructure limitations, logistics challenges, border delays, and service reliability.
The discussion highlighted several key issues requiring attention. Authorities were urged to
explore various investment opportunities where public-private partnerships (PPPs) could be
leveraged to enhance infrastructure and services. Additionally, the discussion emphasized the
need for Nacala Port to improve its fuel storage capacity to meet growing demands. Security
enhancements were addressed, with CEAR/CDN detailing measures implemented to strengthen security along key transport routes.
Furthermore, it was recommended that Malawi, Zambia, and Mozambique encourage initiatives for learning each other’s languages to prevent language barriers from hindering trade facilitation. The review and streamlining of customs and immigration procedures were also deemed necessary to avoid disruptions in train operations. Finally, to promote the Nacala Corridor effectively, CEAR, in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Public Works and other relevant authorities, was encouraged to organize a tour of the corridor, including Nacala Port.
Through this insightful discussion, the panel aimed to pinpoint essential challenges, propose
actionable solutions, and highlight investment opportunities that could contribute to making the Nacala Corridor a more efficient and competitive trade route in the region.
