Maputo Port's Strategic Expansion to Become Southern Africa's Logistics Powerhouse
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The Port of Maputo in Mozambique is embarking on an ambitious journey to transform itself into a pivotal regional logistics nexus through a multi-phase expansion project valued at around $2 billion. The initial phase, launched early in 2025 with an investment of $164 million, focuses on doubling the port’s container handling capacity from 255,000 to 530,000 TEUs annually over the next two years. This upgrade includes extending the dock by 400 meters, deepening the berth draft to 16 meters to accommodate larger vessels, and upgrading port infrastructure and equipment.
This expansion is spearheaded by the Maputo Port Development Company (MPDC), comprising key stakeholders such as global logistics giant DP World, South Africa’s freight firm Grindrod, and Mozambique’s state-owned rail operator Caminhos de Ferro de Moçambique. The project aims to alleviate congestion in neighboring ports, notably South Africa’s Durban, by providing an efficient alternative route for regional exporters.
DP World’s concurrent $165 million enhancement of the container terminal will introduce advanced infrastructure including a 6.48-hectare yard extension, three new ship-to-shore cranes, and an enhanced fleet of rubber-tyred gantry cranes. These upgrades will enable the port to accommodate larger post-Panamax ships, boosting throughput and operational efficiency.
The Government of Mozambique along with MPDC envisions this development as a major economic catalyst, bolstering Mozambique’s position on the global trade map while fostering job creation, economic diversification, and integration of Southern African landlocked countries into global supply chains. The upgraded port will serve as a critical gateway for imports and exports, supporting industries across the region.
The Maputo Port expansion opens compelling avenues for investors and businesses. Infrastructure development and equipment supply offer lucrative contracts. Shipping companies and logistics firms can capitalize on improved capacity and connectivity to serve growing regional trade flows. The project's scale invites partnerships in technology solutions for port operations and supply chain management. Additionally, opportunities exist in ancillary services such as warehousing, transportation, and customs brokerage. The initiative also promises to stimulate economic activities in sectors like manufacturing and agro-processing by improving export-import efficiencies, creating a thriving commercial ecosystem around the port.
