More direct services add muscle to Maputo value proposition

Major improvements to the
rail network as well as
the development of an
institutional framework have led
to more confidence in the Maputo
Corridor.
According to Brenda Horne, CEO
of the Maputo Corridor Logistics
Initiative (MCLI), recent years have
seen the development of a platform
to bring stake-holders together in
an effort to increase the use of the
corridor and ultimately the Port of
Maputo.
“We are not competing with
the South African ports, but
complementing them. On the east side
Maputo has capacity and is ideally
situated for cargo on this corridor.”
With much private investment the
corridor has seen much development
since the start of the process in 2003,
said Horne. “Obviously one cannot
do everything at once, but so far we
have addressed the lack of rail and
made some major inroads with both
Transnet from South Africa and CFM
from Mozambique involved. We
have also addressed the lack of an
institutional framework and today both
governments support the corridor.”
Horne said with the introduction of
more direct shipping lines this year the
port has become an even more viable
option and the obvious choice for
importers and exporters in the Maputo
Corridor region.
“We have done a lot of work in
changing the perceptions and attitudes
of people and we are very pleased with
the positive attitudes. Work still needs
to be done and that includes focusing
on a one-stop border post to improve
efficiency while we also want to see
procedures and infrastructure of the
border post upgraded.”