The President of Mozambique, Daniel Chapo, has called for the removal of investment barriers and the creation of a favorable business environment with Malawi to promote economic development in both neighboring countries.
“We are family. We share the same names, the same culture, the same language. So, there’s no need for many barriers. Let’s facilitate business so that our countries can grow,” urged Chapo, who has been in Malawi since Thursday, June 5, at the invitation of his counterpart, Lazarus Chakwera.
President Chapo emphasized that the public sector must ease business operations, recalling that Africa’s current struggle is for economic freedom, through increased investment and the creation of new companies and jobs for youth. Chakwera echoed this vision, noting that the soon-to-be-inaugurated One-Stop Border Post is meant to strengthen bilateral relations based on shared values, common identity, and solid friendship.
According to Lusa, following talks between the two heads of state, both governments signed several bilateral cooperation agreements in Lilongwe, Malawi’s capital.
On Friday, June 6, Mozambique and Malawi will inaugurate the first One-Stop Border Post (OSBP) at Dedza, aimed at facilitating bilateral trade. The facility is part of the Southern Africa Trade and Connectivity Project (SATCP), backed by the World Bank, which seeks to enhance regional connectivity, ease cross-border trade, and promote sustainable economic growth across Southern Africa.
“With this innovative One-Stop Border Post model, border control processes between Mozambique and Malawi — including immigration, customs, health, and others — will be handled at a single entry/exit point, significantly improving the efficiency of movement of people and goods between the two countries, while reducing time and logistical costs,” reads an official statement.
Originally signed by both governments on November 23, 2021, the new agreement was only ratified by Mozambique more than three years later. It includes the implementation of One-Stop Border Posts to replace double controls at various crossings: Mwanza–Zobué (Tete), Dedza–Calómuè (Tete), Muloza–Milange (Zambézia), and Chiponde–Mandimba (Niassa).
The Mozambique–Malawi border, stretching 1,569 kilometers, was officially established in November 1954, by agreement between the former colonial governments.
Source: Diário Económico
