The Nacala Corridor is important to Zambia's export capabilities and the integration of the country into global markets. The corridor connects Mozambique, Malawi and Zambia to regional and global markets through Mozambique's Nacala Port.
The Nacala Corridor's development will significantly improve trade efficiency and create new economic opportunities for Zambia, according to the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, Permanent Secretary, Hapenga Kabeta.
Kabeta said this during a meeting with Higashi Kunihiko, Japan’s Director of Country Assistance Planning Division for Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.
He said Japan's continued support for infrastructure and industrial projects along this vital trade route, stressing that industrialisation remains fundamental to advancing Zambia's mining sector and broader economic transformation.
Kunihiko said Japan is committed to supporting the Nacala Corridor's development, saying that enhanced transportation infrastructure would stimulate industrial growth, improve mineral and goods transportation efficiency, and contribute to regional economic expansion.
In October 2023, the presidents of Zambia, Mozambique and Malawi inaugurated the rehabilitated, expanded, and modernised Nacala Port, marking a significant step towards boosting regional trade and development.
The Nacala Corridor is seen as a key trade route that connects Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique to the Indian Ocean, and the tripartite agreement signed by the three countries is aimed at further developing the corridor and enhancing regional connectivity.
Kabeta said Japan's partnership in infrastructure development is crucial, as quality transport networks form the backbone of sustainable economic growth. The Port of Nacala has the capacity to handle 30 million tonnes of coal per year and the potential to become a transport corridor for Zambia, Malawi and South Africa.
Kabeta and Kunihiko pledged to deepen Zambia and Japan’s collaboration in mining, infrastructure, and industrial development, recognising the mutual benefits of this strategic partnership.
The Nacala Development Corridor traverses 1,710 kilometres within and through Malawi, Zambia and Mozambique. Japan financed the rehabilitation of the Nacala port at a cost of US$249 million and increased its handling capacity from 100,000 to 252,000 containers per year.
Malawi uses Nacala to import and export products such as fuel, clinker, wheat, fertilisers, rice, and vegetable oil.
In May, Zambia’s Transport and Logistics Minister, Frank Tayali, said Nacala Logistics, the joint venture between Malawi and Mozambique, has shown interest in running, Chipata-Muchinji Railway in partnership with Zambia Railways to bring petroleum products from the port of Beira in Mozambique to Chipata on the Malawi-Zambia border.
Written for Railways Africa Magazine by — Chamwe Kaira
