AfDB Promotes Regional Integration - U.S.$ 95.6 Million to Zambia for Nacala Corridor

29 September 2010
Content from a Premium Partner
African Development Bank (Abidjan)
press release

Tunis - The Board of Directors of the African Development Fund (ADF), the concessional window of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group approved on Monday, 27 September 2010 in Tunis, a UA 63.369-million* (U.S.$ 95.6 million) loan to fund the Nacala Corridor Phase II Road project (NCRP) in Zambia

The NCRP aims at promoting economic growth and regional integration within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) through a reliable and efficient transport infrastructure to improve sub-regional trade and the region's overall competitiveness.

The NCRP covers approximately 1,033km of roads in Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique and two border posts. The project involves three phases. Phase I includes 348km of roads in Mozambique, and a 13km bypass road in Malawi. Phase II is an additional continuation of Phase I, and involves 360km of road in Zambia between Luangwa and Mwami. The project includes subsidiary work to improve and asphalt 114.7km to a good standard.

The project is expected to produce the following results:

Reduced transport costs

Improved access to markets and social services

Better road safety

The work will enhance poverty reduction efforts in Zambia and will promote the empowerment of women and other disadvantaged groups through better socioeconomic infrastructure along the road.The development of the Nacala Corridor will boost export volumes from Zambia through the port of Nacala and expand markets beyond national boundaries, which is crucial for continued economic growth in the sub-region.

The total project costs amounts to UA 69.47 million (U.S.$ 104 million). The Zambian government is strongly committed to the implementation of Phase II in its entirety, and is seeking alternative funding for the remaining 82.5km (23%).

Preparations are underway for Phase III, which will include repairs and improvements in Malawi and Mozambique together with the construction of two border posts between Zambia and Malawi, and between Malawi and Mozambique, respectively.

* 1UA (Unit of Account) = U.S.$ 1.50891 on 27 September 2010

Contacts

Lotfi Madani

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