Mozambique’s capital port recorded an all-time high in cargo volumes in 2025, handling a total of 32 million tonnes, marking a 3.4% increase on the 30.9 million tonnes processed in 2024.
The performance comes despite a challenging start to the year, during which Mozambique experienced significant political unrest that disrupted economic activity and created uncertainty across the logistics sector.
According to Osório Lucas, chief executive officer of the Maputo Port Development Company (MPDC), the result exceeded expectations, given the prevailing conditions at the beginning of the year.
“We were very hesitant to make any forecasts at the start of 2025,” Lucas told Freight News.
“The fact that we achieved this performance reinforces the Port’s position as a key regional logistics hub and reflects the resilience and efficiency of the integrated port and corridor system.”
MPDC’s direct operations also reached a record level, with 15.2 million tonnes handled during the year, representing year-on-year growth of 6.4%.
The company attributed this performance to sustained investment in infrastructure, systems and human capital, alongside ongoing improvements in operational efficiency across terminal and landside operations.
Rail volumes, a central pillar of the port’s long-term sustainability and corridor strategy, showed particularly strong growth. Rail-borne cargo increased by 17%, rising from 9.7 million tonnes in 2024 to 11.7 million tonnes in 2025, underscoring continued progress in shifting freight from road to rail and strengthening hinterland connectivity.
Lucas said MPDC further strengthened its contribution to Mozambique through concession fees, which rose to $48.9 million in 2025, up from $46.8 million in the previous year.
The figure excludes additional fiscal benefits to government, including taxes and dividends paid to CFM, Mozambique’s state-owned rail authority.
“January and February were extremely challenging, with unrest bringing border operations close to a standstill,” he said.
“What made the difference was the ability of the port and the wider corridor to respond. Investments in digital systems, training and productivity, together with much closer integration with CFM, have significantly improved turnaround times and overall reliability.”
He said the results reflected the collective effort of the teams and partners across the entire logistics chain.
Lucas said ongoing investment at the port could be expected.
“We expect to complete the Kanyaka island pier bridge in March this year. This project will have a large economic impact as it will substantially improve access, mobility and logistical integration for the island community.”
He said the expansion of the bulk terminal to 16 million tonnes and the ongoing expansion of the DP World container terminal to 530 000 TEUs continued.
“Sustaining this growth will depend on continued integration between rail, road and port operations. Efficiency at the port alone is no longer enough – the competitiveness of the entire corridor is what ultimately determines success.”
