Malawi and Mozambique Launch Trade and Security Projects
The governments of Malawi and Mozambique are set to roll out two projects aimed at promoting trade and security. Wellington Chiponde, spokesperson for the department of immigration and citizenship, announced the projects are nearing implementation.
The projects include a border management information system and border pass system under the Southern Africa Trade and Connectivity initiative. Chiponde explained they will streamline border management, enhance national security, and reduce trade costs.
According to Chiponde, the projects address escalating smuggling and insecurity due to illegal immigrants, which have hindered economic growth.
“We aim to meet our aspirations and challenge ourselves to reduce trade costs for those doing trade between Malawi and neighbouring countries. So our main goal is reduce trade costs and commitment to ending illegal immigration into the two countries,” he explained
According to Chiponde, the idea behind the two projects came about after noting the escalating smuggling malpractices or illegal trade as well as insecurity in the two countries due to illegal immigrants.
“The absence of these projects has made it difficult to smoothly facilitate trade and increase trade volumes as well as security among the two countries. The countries have recorded poor economic growth due to illegal trade and security,” he said
Nomagugu Hanyana Ncube, IOM chief of party, noted the projects will ease business for cross-border traders and propel economic development.
The Southern Africa Trade and Connectivity projects are facilitated by IOM with financial support from the World Bank.
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