Maputo, 23 October (AIM) — Mozambique is preparing a new phase in the management of its railway corridors, with the opening of tenders for the concession of lots intended to be operated by private entities.
This initiative aims to diversify the operators available for freight transport and increase the options available to companies using national infrastructure to import and export goods.
According to information published by CFM, this measure is part of a broader strategy to transfer freight from road to rail and maritime transport, with the aim of increasing the use of different modes of transport in the country’s supply chain.
Openness to the private sector could allow importers and exporters to choose between different operators, depending on their transport needs and the conditions for providing services.
Details of the lots to be granted, the deadlines for submission of tenders and the selection criteria are not included in the information provided.
Mozambique has three major logistics development corridors: Maputo, Beira and Nacala, which link the main seaports to the internal regions and markets of neighbouring countries.
The railway network also includes strategic lines for the transport of raw materials, agricultural products and other goods.
Among the main rail routes in the country are the Maputo corridor, which links the port of Maputo to the South African hinterland through road and rail infrastructure, including the Ressano Garcia line.
The Beira corridor connects the port of Beira to the interior of the country and Zimbabwe via the Machipanda line, and connects with Malawi via the Sena line.
The Nacala corridor connects the port of Nacala to the interior of northern Mozambique and Malawi, including the railway used to transport coal from Moatize. The Limpopo corridor provides the rail link between Maputo and the Chicualacuala region in Gaza Province and extends to Zimbabwe and other parts of southern Africa.
The Goba corridor establishes a railway link between the Maputo region and the Eswatini via the Goba line. These corridors complement the national port network and serve as a link between production centres, industrial areas, land borders and international markets.
The announced strategy calls for increased use of rail and maritime transport for freight transport, thereby reducing reliance on road transport in logistics operations.
According to the company, the railway is one of the main transportation routes for mineral and other goods from within the country, while the national ports provide access to international trade routes.
According to CFM, the finalization of tenders could introduce new operators on certain segments of the railway network, depending on the terms and conditions to be defined by the Government and CFM.
Mozambique’s geographical position allows the country to serve as a maritime access platform for neighbouring landlocked economies, namely Zimbabwe, Malawi and Zambia, as well as for South African industrial regions.
Private sector participation in railway operations is part of the concession model already used by CFM in rail and port activities, through partnerships aimed at operating and managing specific infrastructure.
The information published by CFM does not yet include a timetable for launching new calls for tenders or identifying potential bidders for the planned lots.
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