The new border post, situated in Malawi’s Deza district and Mozambique’s Kalum area in Tete province, was inaugurated by Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera and Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo, who is visiting Malawi for the first time since his inauguration earlier this year.

This initiative follows the signing of three agreements between the two countries to improve trade and movement across their shared border. The one-stop border post will consolidate migration, customs, and health checks at a single point, speeding up the clearance process and reducing costs for businesses and travellers.

The project is part of the World Bank-supported Southern Africa Trade and Connectivity programme, which aims to strengthen regional ties and encourage economic growth in Southern Africa.

At the ceremony, Chakwera urged other African countries to adopt similar measures, saying, “Let all borders across the continent become one goal, so that Africa’s integration can become a reality.” He also thanked development partners for their support and called for the model to be replicated widely.

Chapo highlighted the importance of removing trade barriers to promote business growth, stating, “It is crucial for governments to support the private sector and medium enterprises, so trade can flourish without hindrance.” He added that easing these restrictions would accelerate development and bring benefits to the people.

The two leaders also discussed the need for direct flights between Malawi and Mozambique. Currently, travellers must connect through South Africa or Zambia, making travel inconvenient and costly.

Malawi has pushed for the Nsanje Inland Port project as a short-term transport solution, while Mozambique favours longer-term investments such as rail and road upgrades, including the Kilimani Port.

The opening of this border post is expected to improve economic co-operation and facilitate easier movement for goods and people between the two countries.

--ChannelAfrica--