Mozambique plans to open its state-owned railway network to private operators as part of a reform aimed at increasing rail freight volumes, improving efficiency and reducing logistics costs, according to Lusa and Club of Mozambique.
Transport and Logistics Minister João Matlombe announced the move during a meeting in Maputo with the Confederation of Economic Associations (CTA), the country's largest business association.
Under the proposed framework, state-owned Ports and Railways of Mozambique (CFM) would transition to an infrastructure management role while private operators would be granted access to run services on the network.
The reform was intended to increase the use of rail infrastructure and reduce pressure on the road transport system, Matlombe said.
“Our approach to logistics is clear: you cannot run logistics with a monopoly. We have consulted widely and will open up access to the railways to different stakeholders.”
He added that Mozambique was looking to follow the example of South Africa, which has advanced further in opening rail operations to private-sector participation.
“The monopoly and inefficiency are damaging our economy, and we must carry out a structural reform within the sector. Only then will we break this monopoly and address the inefficiency we are constantly experiencing.”
Private sector support
The private sector welcomed the proposal. CTA president Álvaro Massingue said high logistics costs, long transit times and uncompetitive tariffs were undermining the competitiveness of transport corridors and pushing freight on to the roads.
“The private sector believes that the railways should play a more central role in long-haul freight transport, reducing logistics costs, easing road congestion and increasing the competitiveness of transport corridors,” Massingue said.
He called for the development of a National Logistics Competitiveness Strategy and said an integrated and digitalised transport network could help position Mozambique as a regional logistics hub.
Freight volumes increase
The reforms come as Mozambique's rail sector records growth. According to government figures, the network transported 3.6 million tonnes of freight during the first quarter of the year, up 14.9% compared with the corresponding period in 2025.
Mozambique's rail network is currently divided into separate southern, central and northern systems linking the country's ports with neighbouring South Africa, Eswatini and Zimbabwe.
To strengthen connectivity, the government recently approved the establishment of an investment office to develop a north-south rail link that is expected to take eight years to complete.
