SADC is shifting its transport corridor strategy from building new infrastructure to enhancing the management and efficiency of existing corridors. Governments are increasingly focusing on digitalising border posts, sharing customs data, and strengthening corridor management institutions. Transport corridor consultant Lovemore Bingandadi highlights that regional integration is a gradual process, with member states progressing at different speeds. The SADC Transport Protocol identifies regional trade corridors as central to trade facilitation, and the SADC Corridor Development Master Plan (2009) defined 18 corridors, ten of which are primary, including the North-South Corridor (Durban), Maputo, Beira, Nacala, Central Corridor, Walvis Bay-Ndola-Lubumbashi, and Lobito Corridors.
Bingandadi notes that corridors with established institutions and legal frameworks—including signed MoUs—show the most progress. The focus has shifted from hard infrastructure, which is largely in place, to efficiency gains through harmonised laws, regulations, systems, and procedures, particularly in transport, trade, and customs. Digitalisation, especially the pre-clearance of goods, is highlighted as a critical frontier, reducing border delays and streamlining cross-border movement. Corridor management institutions are identified as a prerequisite for coordinated operations among multiple sovereign states. Bingandadi expresses cautious optimism that, with sustained momentum in digitalisation, one-stop border post (OSBP) implementation, and institutional reform, the efficiency and capacity of SADC corridors could transform significantly over the next five years, provided political stability and strong regional leadership are maintained.
Potential benefits to African Trade: The SADC corridor strategy promises multiple benefits by improving trade efficiency through digitalisation and pre-clearance of goods, harmonised regulations, and streamlined procedures, which reduce border delays and transaction costs. Strengthened corridor management institutions and legal frameworks promote regional integration, consistency, and accountability among member states. By focusing on efficient use of existing infrastructure, SADC can strategically address minor gaps while leveraging its integrated road, rail, and port networks. These improvements are expected to enhance trade competitiveness, attract investment, stimulate economic activity, and, through incremental and sustainable reforms, ensure long-term corridor efficiency, resilience, and progressive development across the region.