Real Estate Investor Magazine South Africa February 2016 | Page 61

this corridor is evident in the fact that ‘trade and services’, of which transport is the major component, currently accounts for over 41% of the Growth Domestic Product (GDP). There is vast development potential available along the region of the Nacala Development Corridor to support a wide variety of agricultural activities. All areas within this region are currently under-utilized and considerable potential exists to create a marketplace surplus of construction, processing and export services. The property sector stands to benefit enormously upon the further development of the mining industries within these regions with a strong potential in minerals such as bauxite, phosphates, granite, coal and mineral sands, which to the current lack of infrastructure and transportation avenues has constrained the sectors contribution to the economy. The Nacala Development Corridor is being pursued as one of a number of regional Spatial Development Initiatives not only by the Mozambican government, but also by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), in order to enhance the level of economic integration of Southern African economies by enhancing inter-regional trade and increasing international competitiveness. The overall regional development initiative of the Nacala region is aimed at supporting longterm sustainable economic growth, as well as employment creation. It is this regions’ strategic www.reimag.co.za location, tremendously rich and diversified natural resource base, and means for international exportation through a variety of means, that provides the inherent development potential now being exploited. Therefore the vast infrastructure upgrades of Nacala are by no means a coincidence. The new airport will have the capacity for some of the largest airlines in the world and routes of up to 5 000 miles, allowing for direct connections from first world cities such as Frankfurt and Singapore. The Nacala Development Corridor will allow for critical raw materials and minerals to be transported from major deposits and allow cross-border stimulation. The Nacala deepsea water port is the focal point of interest for many international companies and industries looking for an accessible point of entry onto the African continent. The aim it seems, is to transform Nacala into an international hub for economic stimulation, not only within Mozambique, but also for the African continent. NACALA FACTS: Established: 1970s Population: about 208 000 Resources: Cement, Agriculture Main Industry: Fishing, Cement Infrastructure Upgrades: Port, railways and an airport. FEBRUARY 2016 SA Real Estate Investor 59