Malawi News

Malawi to benefit from continental trade project

Malawi to benefit from continental trade project

The Malawi government anticipates that the Southern Africa Trade and Connectivity project will enhance regional trade coordination and lower trade costs with neighboring countries.

Ng’oma: This is a right call.

The statement comes as the governments of Malawi and Mozambique requested the World Bank support for the project, aiming to stimulate private sector activity along the Nacara and Beira corridors to reduce trade costs.

In an interview with MIJ Online Charles Mtonga, Deputy Director of Policies and planning in the Ministry of Transport and Public Works, said the project would help develop regional value chains and improve access to infrastructure.

Mtonga: We have plans.

He added that the Ministry is leading the implementation of non-infrastructure components, while the Roads Authority is handling infrastructure components such as roads, border posts, and inland examination centers.

Meanwhile, Hastings Ng’oma, Project Manager for the Southern Africa Trade and Connectivity project, said that the $150 million project will strengthen transport infrastructure to improve market access.

The Southern Africa Trade and Connectivity Project (SATCP) is a 6-year, US$150 million World Bank funded project; 75 million is a grant and 75 million is a loan.

The project is running from 1st July 2021 30th June 2027.