Southern Africa Corridors

SADC | 6 landlocked countries

Overview

Southern Africa has the most developed corridor network, with multiple ports serving six landlocked countries.

Key Challenges

Infrastructure maintenance, varying customs procedures, corridor governance, trade imbalances.

Opportunities

SADC Protocol on Transport, corridor management authorities, regional infrastructure master plans.

Quick Facts

  • Landlocked Countries: Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Lesotho, Eswatini
  • Major Ports: Durban (South Africa), Richards Bay (South Africa), Beira (Mozambique), Maputo (Mozambique), Walvis Bay (Namibia), Dar es Salaam (Tanzania)
  • Regional Bloc: SADC
  • Active Corridors: 6
Southern Africa Map

Transit Corridors in Southern Africa

North-South Corridor

Main Corridor
Length:

2,500 km

Port Access:

Durban, Richards Bay

Countries Served:

South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, DRC, Malawi

Key Border Crossings:

Beitbridge, Chirundu, Kazungula

Infrastructure:

Most developed corridor in region, one-stop border posts.

Challenges:

High traffic volume, maintenance needs, border congestion.

North-South Corridor Map

Beira Corridor

Main Corridor
Length:

600 km

Port Access:

Beira (Mozambique)

Countries Served:

Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi

Key Border Crossings:

Machipanda, Zobue

Infrastructure:

Road and rail connections, corridor management institutions.

Challenges:

Port capacity, rail infrastructure needs.

Beira Corridor Map

Maputo Corridor

Main Corridor
Length:

400 km

Port Access:

Maputo (Mozambique)

Countries Served:

Mozambique, South Africa, Eswatini, Zimbabwe

Key Border Crossings:

Ressano Garcia, Lomahasha

Infrastructure:

Well-developed, toll road, railway connection.

Challenges:

Traffic congestion, border delays.

Maputo Corridor Map

Nacala Corridor

Main Corridor
Length:

900 km

Port Access:

Nacala (Mozambique)

Countries Served:

Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia

Key Border Crossings:

Entre Lagos, Mchinji

Infrastructure:

Railway rehabilitation underway, road improvements.

Challenges:

Infrastructure rehabilitation, funding gaps.

Nacala Corridor Map

Walvis Bay Corridor

Main Corridor
Length:

Various routes

Port Access:

Walvis Bay (Namibia)

Countries Served:

Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, DRC

Key Border Crossings:

Mamuno, Ngoma, Katima Mulilo

Routes:

Trans-Kalahari, Trans-Cunene, Trans-Oranje, Trans-Zambezi

Infrastructure:

Well-maintained roads, corridor management group.

Challenges:

Long distances, low traffic volumes on some routes.

Walvis Bay Corridor Map

Dar es Salaam Corridor

Main Corridor
Length:

1,200 km

Port Access:

Dar es Salaam (Tanzania)

Countries Served:

Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, DRC

Key Border Crossings:

Tunduma, Kasumulu

Infrastructure:

TAZARA railway, paved highway.

Challenges:

Port congestion, railway efficiency.

Dar es Salaam Corridor Map

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Southern Africa