Mozambique transport and infrastructure reforms

Mozambique’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, João Matlombe, has announced a series of structural reforms targeting the nation’s road and aviation sectors. A central component of this strategy is the ‘Mais Estradas – 2031’ program, which involves an estimated $2.8 billion investment to rehabilitate and expand more than 3,000 kilometers of roads. The program is scheduled to begin execution in the first quarter of 2027, with public tenders currently under evaluation. The initiative aims to improve connectivity between provinces, production centers, and development corridors through a preventive maintenance approach. In addition to road infrastructure, the government is focusing on the restructuring of the national airline, Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique (LAM). The ministry is seeking to ensure the airline’s financial sustainability and operational efficiency through improved fleet management, cost controls, and a review of airfare structures to increase accessibility. Recent developments show progress in contract awards and maritime expansion. The National Roads Administration (ANE) has awarded €293 million in contracts for road construction and surfacing in the Inhambane and Sofala provinces as part of the ‘Mais Estradas – 2031’ initiative. Simultaneously, a $150 million capital dredging project has commenced at the Port of Maputo. Supported by DP World and the Maputo Port Development Company (MPDC), this project aims to deepen and widen the access channel to accommodate vessels up to 366 meters in length, strengthening the port’s capacity as a maritime gateway for Southern African markets including South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. Executed by the China Road and Bridge Corporation, the 12-month dredging project will deepen the access channel from 14.4 meters to 15.3 meters and create a new 660-meter diameter turning basin. These upgrades are intended to facilitate container vessels with capacities of up to 14,000 TEUs.