Grindrod celebrated a milestone in the development of its Matola Dry-bulk Terminal at the Port of Maputo this week with an official groundbreaking ceremony marking the start of the expansion programme.
Minister of Transport and Logistics, João Jorge Matlombe, officiated at the ceremony, which launched Phase 1 of the Back-of-Terminal (BOT) development, reaffirming the logistics operator’s long-term commitment to Mozambique’s logistics infrastructure and regional trade growth.
Since taking over operational management of the terminal in 2007, the company has invested more than US$52 million in modernising the facility, integrating new technologies, and increasing handling capacity. With the acquisition of the remaining 35% shareholding in the terminal and the extension of its sub-concession agreement with the Maputo Port Development Company until 2058, the operator aims to reinforce its position as a long-term logistics partner to Mozambique.
Phase 1 represents an investment of $40 million – out of a total of $80 million – and will enable the full mechanisation of the BOT area, increasing the terminal’s capacity from eight million tonnes per annum (mtpa) to 12 mtpa, and expanding the site from 40 800 sqm to 157 760 sqm. Completion of this phase is expected in the first half of 2027.
Phase 2 will add storage and loading infrastructure, integrating operations between the Front and Back of Terminal to ultimately handle up to 15 mtpa.
“Today we transform vision into action and action into tangible results for our country and the SADC region,” said Matlombe.
“This expansion strengthens the Maputo Corridor and reinforces Mozambique’s position as a regional logistics hub through collaboration between Government and the private sector.”
Grindrod Bulk and incoming Group CEO of Grindrod Limited, Kwazi Mabasi, said the expansion marked a renewed commitment to delivering efficient, competitive logistics solutions.
“With modern infrastructure and integrated systems, the Matola Terminal is well positioned to meet growing regional demand and to facilitate Africa’s trade with the world.”
President Daniel Francisco Chapo inaugurated the operator’s new administrative building at the terminal and officially announced the start of the overall expansion project earlier this year.
