Malawi is among the most expensive transportation costs within the Southern African Development Commission (Sadc) region, according to a report compiled by the Ministry of Transport.

Within the region, the average cost for rail and road transport is recommended to be not more than $7, while Malawi registers more than $10 per tonne. Responsible Minister Sidik Mia outlined that he is working on improving the rail sector, which will save at least $3 per tonne. “The government has great interest in reducing the cost of transportation in the country. If we improve the railway sector, we are able to reduce the [average] cost [of transportation] to less than $7 per tonne which is the recommended cost in the region,” Mia said.

Meanwhile, the National Transport Master Plan (NTMP) aims to elevate the road, water, aviation sectors and their respective infrastructures. In September, Mia said his ministry will commit to consolidating resources towards the implementation of NTMP.