BergerWorld: 4th Quarter 2006

For over 10 years, the Berger Group has assisted the government of Mozambique (population 19,792,000) with the upgrading and rehabilitation of the country's airports. In 1996, the Team was commissioned by Airports Authority of Mozambique to improve the operations at seven airports throughout the country. The assignment included recommending programs to enhance the managerial and operational efficiency of the facilities and preparing detailed designs to rehabilitate runways, taxiways and aprons. In 2001, the government of Mozambique introduced a new nationwide Air Transport Policy to encourage the private-sector participation in the management and operation of airport facilities. Retained by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications of Mozambique, the Berger Group carried out a study to attract private-sector participation in the eight airports that serve the Nacala Development Corridor (NDC). The study included six of the 19 airports operated by Aeroportos de Mozambique, located in Nampula, Pemba, Lichinga, Angoche, Mocimboa da Praia and Lumbo.

Although Mozambique's current tourism sector is underdeveloped, the region has excellent potential for eco- and vacation tourism. Berger recognized this potential in the NDC, and recommended the expansion and rehabilitation of the region's airport facilities to enhance access and provide efficient national and international transportation links to and from the NDC.

After Berger staff recommended the expansion and rehabilitation of NDC facilities, the Team conducted a study to determine an appropriate strategy to implement the necessary upgrades at the six airports. The Team assessed each airport's needs and subsequently formulated a financially viable, optimally phased investment program for each airport, and proposed a strategy to attract private-sector investment in the program.