Maputo making inroads in rail growth plan

A plan is coming together for the Maputo Port Development Company, which increased rail volumes from 9.7 million tons in 2024 to 11.7 million tons in 2025 – a 17% growth. There have been three years of sustained growth in rail volumes – 8% year on year in 2023, and 7% between 2023 and 2024. The company describes rail as “a central pillar of the Port of Maputo’s sustainability strategy”. In 2024, the African Development Bank (AfDB) made a $40m corporate loan to the state-owned enterprise Portos e Caminhos de Ferro de Moçambique EP (CFM), the Mozambique rail and port authority, for the purchase of rolling stock and locomotives for the Ressano Garcia rail link between Maputo port and South Africa. This has supported growth on the corridor. In 2025, MPDC’s direct operations also reached a record level, with 15.2 million tons handled, representing 6.4% year-on-year growth. “This result reflects the impact of sustained investments in infrastructure, systems and human capital, as well as ongoing improvements in operational efficiency,” according to a company statement. The goal is for rail to transport 45% of the cargo moving through the port and road 55%, which reflects increased volumes through the container terminal. In May 2025, DP World initiated a $165m project to double the capacity of the Maputo Container Terminal. DP World describes the investment as part of a long-term strategy to meet global trade demands, create thousands of new jobs and contribute to Mozambique’s economic growth. “The project will significantly enhance capabilities of the port, positioning Maputo as a trade and logistics hub for southern Africa and opening a gateway for larger container ships,” according to a statement issued at the sod-turning ceremony. Mohammed Akoojee, DP World CEO and managing director for Sub-Saharan Africa, said: “The container terminal expansion signifies our intent to strengthen Mozambique’s economic growth, together with the Government of Mozambique and our partners in the MPDC. “The Port of Maputo is at the heart of transforming trade on the African continent, as it has the potential to connect the land-locked countries of southern Africa to the rest of the world. “This investment reinforces Mozambique’s role as a key cargo gateway, improves its global competitiveness and positions the country as a dynamic business hub. By working hand-in-hand with our partners, we are committed to developing innovative end- to-end logistics solutions that reinvent trade on the south- eastern coast of Africa.” ER