The Maputo Port Development Company (MPDC) has announced a major investment plan of about 500 million US dollars over the next three years aimed at expanding and modernizing key infrastructure at the Port of Maputo, one of Mozambique’s most important economic gateways. Mozambican President Daniel Chapo, speaking on Thursday during a working visit to the port, said the investment will focus on upgrading several terminals and significantly boosting operational capacity to keep pace with growing regional and international trade demands. According to Chapo, the port’s container handling capacity will be expanded to more than 500,000 TEUs, allowing it to handle larger volumes of cargo more efficiently.
He added that the Coal Terminal will see an increase in capacity from 12 million to 15 million tonnes, while the General Cargo Terminal is expected to exceed 15 million tonnes, reinforcing the port’s role as a strategic hub for southern Africa. The President emphasized that these developments represent much more than physical construction or technical upgrades, noting that improved capacity and efficiency will attract more business, create new employment opportunities, and generate higher revenues for the state.
He stressed that the government has a responsibility to reinvest this revenue into critical sectors such as healthcare, education, electricity expansion, clean water access, and other essential services that directly support national development and improve the quality of life for citizens. Chapo also revealed that preparations are underway for major structural projects expected to begin in 2026, including dredging the port’s access channel to allow accommodation of larger vessels and align the Port of Maputo with the largest and most competitive ports in the region. Another significant initiative is the reconstruction of more than 400 meters of quay, which will enhance the safety, efficiency, and long-term resilience of the port’s infrastructure.
He explained that advanced technology will be incorporated into these upgrades, including automatic systems linking the Port of Maputo with the Ressano Garcia border crossing between Mozambique and South Africa, a key transit point for regional trade. This integration is expected to streamline cargo movement, reduce delays, improve transparency, and help combat illicit practices by increasing monitoring and efficiency. In addition to physical and technological upgrades, Chapo highlighted plans to establish a modern training center within the port equipped with state-of-the-art simulators and virtual learning facilities.
This initiative demonstrates the government’s recognition that developing a skilled workforce is essential for building a competitive port sector capable of sustaining long-term growth. The President also noted that since the concession of the Port of Maputo to DP World in 2003, which led to the creation of MPDC, total investment in the port’s development has reached 900 million dollars, showing strong and consistent commitment from both the government and private partners.
He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to working closely with the private sector, international stakeholders, and national institutions to ensure that all planned projects yield meaningful economic and social benefits for the people of Mozambique. According to Chapo, the Port of Maputo remains a vital engine of national development, and its continued modernization will play a crucial role in strengthening the country’s regional competitiveness and long-term economic growth.