Malawi and Mozambique have pledged to enhance collaboration on the six-year Southern Africa Trade and Connectivity Project (SATCP) which seeks to increase trade activities along targeted corridors of the two countries.
SATCP Mozambique consultant Domingos Diogo said on Thursday that they had interactions with Ministry of Agriculture and visited Dedza Border as well as Wakawaka and Mitundu markets in Lilongwe.
He said the tour was important to ensure that Mozambique and Malawi align their efforts under the project so that the activities are consistent and relevant for both countries.
“We have identified institutions in Malawi which we will continue to interact with so that we should deal with challenges which traders between the two countries continue to face,” said Diogo.
Under the six-year project which started in 2021, Malawi will rehabilitate the 47 kilometre Liwonde-Matawale Road to link Chiponde border in Mangochi with Blantyre and Zomba, rehabilitate borders, procure drones which Malawi Revenue Authority will use to monitor smuggling and construct inland examination centres in Lilongwe and Blantyre to expedite clearing of goods.
The project will also implement last mile infrastructure such as construction of market sheds, bridges and rehabilitation of some sections of roads.
SATCP Malawi communications specialist Joab Chakhaza said primary activities such as identification of contractors, hiring of consultant and assessments have been finalised.
“We have entered the last three years of the project but now that work primary activities have been completed, we are optimistic that going forward things are going to move faster than in the first half of the project,” said Chakhaza.
The World Bank is funding the SATCP with $150 million (about K263 billion) in Malawi and $230 million (about K403 billion) in Mozambique with the aim of increasing regional trade coordination, reducing trade costs and time, developing regional value chains and improving access to infrastructure.
