The Mozambican government plans to boost the logistics sector’s contribution to GDP from 8% to 20% by 2027.
Ministry of Transport National Director of Logistics, Fernando Ouana, told Agência de Informação de Moçambique (AIM) that ongoing structural investments in the sector could see its revenue increase within two to three years.
“The contribution of logistics is at a minimum. We need to increase it, because the country can survive on logistics, and that is our effort,” said Ouana.
“The Maputo Corridor is a driving force connecting Mozambique, South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. Currently, investments estimated at about two billion US dollars are under way to expand the capacity of the Port of Maputo, including the modernisation of the container and coal terminals.”
He said the investment included a new railcar unloading system, which would reduce cargo-handling constraints at the Port of Maputo, while the Ressano Garcia border crossing was also on the agenda, with joint efforts between Mozambique and South Africa to integrate customs and immigration systems through a one-stop border crossing. The project also includes upgrades to the route, which has become a bottleneck for cargo trucks.
“The goal is to ensure greater fluidity in access to the port via National Road Number 4 (N4) and to strengthen the competitiveness of the corridor, which serves not only Mozambique but also the interior of Southern Africa.”
He said work was also ongoing on the railway line to Zimbabwe to attract more freight from Zimbabwe and Botswana to the Port of Maputo.
However, the Beira Corridor – a vital trade route for Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi – faces serious constraints. At the Port of Beira, he said investments were under way to modernise terminals and acquire new equipment.
Another challenge is fuel handling congestion at the Port of Beira. The goal is to increase the fuel terminal’s capacity from three million to five million cubic metres.
“In parallel, a new pipeline is being studied to connect the Port of Beira to Harare …easing tanker truck traffic and reducing logistics costs for Zambia and other markets.”
In the north, Ouana said the Nacala Corridor had the country’s most modern port but lacked greater rail integration to reach its full potential.
“Nacala can become a structuring hub for regional integration if we can extend the railway and attract consistent volumes of cargo from Zambia and Malawi.”
