Southern African Trade and Connectivity Project (Malawi)
Lilongwe, Malawi — June 6, 2025 — The governments of Malawi and Mozambique marked
a significant milestone in regional cooperation on 6 June with the official inauguration of the
Dedza–Calomué One-Go Border Post. The joint commissioning ceremony, attended by President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera of Malawi and President Daniel Chapo of Mozambique, symbolized a shared commitment to enhancing trade and regional development.
In his address, President Chakwera highlighted the importance of the new border post in
facilitating the movement of essential goods such as fuel and fertilizer, crucial for Malawi’s
agricultural sector. He emphasized that the project represents a collective step forward in
empowering local farmers and improving economic stability.
“The Dedza–Calomué Border Post is a critical development that benefits our people. It’s
more than just a crossing; it’s a pathway for progress, and we must use it wisely,” President
Chakwera stated.
Expressing regard for Mozambique’s recent democratic process, the Malawian leader noted
that the neighboring country’s peaceful elections six months ago exemplify regional
resilience and dedication to development despite hardships—such as climate challenges and
global economic disruptions caused by war and market fluctuations.
He praised President Chapo’s presence at the ceremony, calling it a testament to the strong
bonds of kinship between the two nations. “Today, we put aside politics of exclusion and
favoritism to prioritize development for all Malawians and our neighbors,” Chakwera
affirmed.
President Chapo echoed these sentiments, underscoring the importance of regional
cooperation and the shared goal of streamlining trade. He expressed gratitude for Malawi’s
partnership and reiterated Mozambique’s commitment to ongoing development efforts.
“The One-Go Border Post is more than just infrastructure; it is a shared commitment to
transforming how we manage our borders—promoting efficiency, modernity, and the
movement of our people, ultimately strengthening our social, economic, and trade relations,”
he said.
The inauguration of the Dedza–Calomué border post marks 50 years of diplomatic ties
between Malawi and Mozambique, a testament to decades of friendship and multilateral
growth. With this new infrastructure, both nations aim to bolster economic integration,
improve cross-border collaboration, and uplift their communities through cooperative
development initiatives.
The World Bank-funded Southern Africa Trade and Connectivity Project, under the Ministry
of Transport, has made a significant contribution to the Dedza One-Go Border Post,
providing essential resources valued at nearly MWK 645 million. This contribution
encompasses vital furniture and ICT equipment, aimed at modernizing and enhancing the
operational efficiency of the border post. The provided furniture is intended to improve the
working conditions for border officials and facilitate smoother processing for travelers. The ICT equipment will significantly upgrade the border post’s technological capabilities,
enabling faster and more secure processing of goods and individuals.
