Institutional Aspects of the Maputo Development Corridor

Maputo Development Corridor (MDC), what actors and stakeholders are involved in the policy- and decision-making processes, and draws some lessons for future development corridors and spatial development initiatives (SDIs) in the broader Southern African region. The analysis reveals that the institutional structure of the MDC - which is based on such aspects as 'political champions', 'fast-tracking' of project design and implementation, the crowding-in of private investment and a minimalist approach to institutions - is designed for the facilitation of 'bankable' private investments projects and public-private partnerships (PPPs), but contains several institutional and organisational weaknesses which have negative consequences for broader 'development' goals, job creation and the integration of provincial and local governments and communities in the process. These drawbacks in combination with the radically different conditions prevailing in the neighbouring countries suggest that the MDC approach needs to be considerably revised if it is to be applied to regional SDIs, especially if these are aiming beyond transport routes and huge investment initiatives.