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.”