Malawi, Mozambique border hiccups

Around table discussion between Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) and the Mozambican Government has ironed out travel hiccups that local transporters experience on Mozambican routes.

MCCCI chief executive officer Chancellor Kaferapanjira said the chamber invited officials from the neighbouring country to address Malawian transporters, importers and exporters who have been facing challenges when travelling through the Mozambique territory.

The issues included the length of time transporters spend at borders and the fees they pay.

“The Mozambique Revenue Authority [recently] introduced a new system of clearing goods called single electronic window. The system was supposed to improve the process of collecting data in terms of what is cleared at ports in Mozambique such as Beira.

“However, the changes have created hassles for Malawians transporters due to some delays which have come about because some authorities in Mozambique are yet to come to terms with the new system,” said Kaferapanjira.

The meeting also noted that corruption levels have also risen in the transport sector as some Mozambican officials have taken advantage of the change in the system to penalise Malawian transporters.

In some instances, the meeting discussed, transporters have been charged exorbitant fees without being issued receipts.

Leader of the Mozambique delegation, Guilherme Mambo, said authorities in the two countries need to work together to make Beira and Nacala corridors friendly for Malawian business operators.

Mambo called on Malawian transporters to demand receipts for any payment made on the routes, adding that Mozambican authorities will soon publish all the fees that transporters are required to pay to avoid confusion.

Mozambican High Commissioner to Malawi Maria Mate advised the transporters to learn a bit of Portuguese, the official language in Mozambique, to overcome communication barriers.

She noted the Nacala and Beira corridors have helped to facilitate business in Malawi and promised to ensure that the country is part of the solution to the problems being faced.