Currently led by the private sector, the most attractive aspect in the Growth Triangle concept is its low cost establishment and short-term benefits for the countries involved.

The Zambia-Malawi-Mozambique Growth Triangle (ZMM-GT) initiative was conceived by UNDP within its Regional Programme for Innovative Cooperative Among the South (PICAS). Subsequently it was introduced to, and endorsed by relevant Governments of the sub-region for further development in 1999.

The initiative is used as a strategic response to urgent need to harness the resource endowment of the ZMM-GT area for the socio-economic benefit on the people while responding to the challenges of globalization.

At request of the all three Governments of ZMM-GT countries, the Foreign Investment Advisory Services (FIAS) of the World Bank (WB) and International Finance Corporation (IFC) undertook, in May 2001, a study of the ZMM-GT. As output, there is a report that defines the policy, priorities, functions, role and structure of Coordinating Secretariat, drawing upon international best practices.

The report also identifies shot-term agenda and pilot initiatives for implementation in ZMM-GT area. It is that output that will form the basis for resource mobilization for full implementation of the ZMM-GT project.

The workshop that will take place in Tete on Monday 10 June 2002 is a technical meeting whose objectives are:

1. Assess development since the completion of the FIAS Report;

1. Come up with an action plan for the implementation of the recommendations of the FIAS Report and identify the priority steps;

3. Ascertain the roles and responsibilities of the respective stakeholders (Governments, private sector and donors) in light of and within the spirit of the African Union and its related NEPAD, with its emphasis, among others, on regional integration.

Participants will include representatives of the Governments of Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia as well as the private sector of the ZMM-GT countries. United Nations agencies and other cooperating partners will also be present.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Bank and United Nations University sponsor this one-day workshop.

Maputo, 7th June 2002

Acronyms:

ZMM-GT: Zambia-Malawi-Mozambique Growth Triangle

UNDP: United Nations Development Programme

PICAS: Programme for Innovative Cooperative Among the South

FIAS: Foreign Investment Advisory Service

IFC: International Finance Corporation

NEPAD: New Partnership for Africa Development

For further information, please contact Mr. Jaime Nicols (082-304543) and Tomás Muarramuassa (082-431908)