Mozambique: Chapo and Ramaphosa discuss strengthening cooperation in transport and logistics

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Mozambique: Chapo and Ramaphosa discuss strengthening cooperation in transport and logistics

4:23 CAT | 04 Mar 2025

File photo: O País

The President of the Republic, Daniel Chapo, is today in Cape Town, South Africa, for a working visit at the invitation of his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa, with issues related to economic cooperation at the center of the discussions, with an emphasis on improving transport and logistics infrastructures between the two countries, which are fundamental for trade flows and regional development.

The Minister of Transport and Logistics, João Matlombe, said in a press release today that Mozambique and South Africa are committed to improving border integration and efficiency on the N4 Corridor, one of the main connecting routes between the two countries. “We need to improve the speed of the process of processing documents at the Ressano Garcia border. Systems integration is urgently needed to allow for better cargo handling,” the minister stressed, referring to the delays affecting the entire logistics chain.

Another relevant point on the agenda is the possible transformation of the Ponta do Ouro border crossing into a commercial crossing point. According to Matlombe, “there is great potential on this border to facilitate trade between the two peoples”. The interest of both governments is to maximise profits and stimulate economic flow in the region. The railway sector is also highlighted in the discussions between the delegations. In the last three years, the amount of cargo transported by rail in the Maputo Corridor has increased from 30 percent to 50 percent, thanks to investments in the Ressano Garcia/Maputo line. “We are investing around 200 million [US] dollars to expand the capacity of the container terminal in the Port of Maputo, in addition to a further 180 million dollars for the coal terminal”, revealed Matlombe. Regarding rail passenger transport, the minister explained that the priority is to strengthen the infrastructure. “Passenger transport is a social component, but cargo is the main focus. With the recent doubling of the line, we hope to improve frequencies and encourage the use of the railway system,” he said.

In the short term, the main expectation is the immediate integration of systems to increase logistical efficiency and generate greater tax revenues. “We already have the infrastructure ready for this integration on both sides. All that is missing is the political decision,” said the minister, highlighting the importance of concrete progress during this visit.

The strengthening of cooperation between Mozambique and South Africa in the transport and logistics sector is a strategic step towards regional economic growth. The meeting between the two heads of state could define new directions to facilitate trade and strengthen the historical and brotherly ties between the two nations.

In addition, the modernization of logistics and railway infrastructures is expected to boost bilateral trade and economic integration in the southern region of the African continent. The efficient implementation of these projects could significantly reduce operating costs, making transport more accessible and agile for companies and citizens of both countries.

The meeting should also reinforce the importance of South African investments in Mozambique, with a focus on the port sector. The geographic proximity and competitive advantages of the Port of Maputo make it a strategic point for the flow of South African goods, further strengthening the economic partnership between the two countries and increasing export potential, the same press release states.

Source: O País