Maputo, Mozambique, 22 Feb – Infrastructure development projects in the Maputo Corridor have consumed over US$5 billion since the venture was launched 14 years ago, according to an assessment published by the Maputo Corridor Logistics Initiative (MCLI).

In the document the MCLI referred to the conclusion and start of operation of the Maputo/Witbank (national road 4) toll road, the concession of port terminals to private managers and the consequent involvement of this sector in improving infrastructure and increasing port traffic from around 3 million tonnes in 1996 to 12 million tonnes planned for 2011.

Alongside this there was also a rise in shipping services, notably container transport, and a rise in tourism and trade between Mozambique, Swaziland and South Africa, amongst other advances considered to be relevant.

The Maputo Corridor was launched with the aim of promoting the recovery of the main road, rail and transport infrastructure and the port of Maputo, including modernisation of the border between Mozambique and South Africa and maximising its social development by creating direct employment opportunities for the communities living along national road 4.

The Maputo Corridor is considered to be a model in terms of partnerships, management and capacity to attract business within the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC).

Until very recently the Beira Corridor was seen as the benchmark for the region, a status it lost due to the political crisis restricting the economic performance of neighbouring Zimbabwe.

In total there are 12 corridors in the SADC region, the smallest of which is the Goba corridor, which links Mozambique to Swaziland and is just 226 kilometres long. (macauhub)