Mozambique invites Ashok Leyland to establish local bus manufacturing plant

The Mozambican government has invited Indian manufacturer Ashok Leyland to establish a bus production unit within the country. The proposal aims to develop a national industry for sustainable mobility and public transport.

Minister of Transport and Logistics João Matlombe extended the invitation during the SAGARMANTHAN – Great Oceans Dialogue conference in New Delhi. According to the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, the company's representatives expressed interest in the project, citing opportunities related to Mozambique's domestic natural gas and electricity production.

The initiative seeks to expand passenger transport in municipalities and improve connectivity between rural agricultural and tourism zones and urban centers. The government is also encouraging proposals to convert diesel-powered buses to natural gas to mitigate the impact of international fuel price fluctuations.

This move aligns with a broader effort to find private partners for an electric bus assembly plant. The project is intended to reduce reliance on imported fully assembled vehicles, promote energy transition, create skilled employment, and build local industrial capacity through a public-private partnership.