DP World is advancing its plans to invest in Mozambique, further solidifying its foothold in the country and creating new trade opportunities for the broader southern Africa region.
Earlier this week, DP World group chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem met with Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. During their discussion, they focused on the establishment of industrial parks across Mozambique and initiatives to enhance the country’s logistics infrastructure, including the expansion of the Port of Maputo.
Commitment to regional trade growth
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem remarked that DP World had been engaged in Mozambique for over 20 years and noted that the country had become a crucial hub for regional trade. He expressed enthusiasm about the prospects for Mozambique and the wider southern Africa region, stating that their investments would significantly enhance the trade sector and reinforce Mozambique’s role as a gateway for cargo movement throughout the area.
Longstanding operations at the Port of Maputo
DP World has been a longstanding operator at the Port of Maputo and has recently extended its concession for an additional 25 years, now lasting until 2058, Dubai Media Office reported. The company is investing $600 million to expand the port’s infrastructure, aiming to boost its cargo handling capacity from 170,000 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) per year to 530,000 TEU annually by 2027. Additionally, DP World has a robust presence in road freight and market access within the country, connecting essential corridors and providing effective routes to market for clients and customers.
Read more: DP World’s Jebel Ali sets new record with 1.4 million TEUs in July 2024
Vision for economic growth
These expansion plans are part of a comprehensive vision to enhance Mozambique’s status as a regional trade leader while promoting economic growth and development throughout southern Africa. By improving logistics and port capacity, DP World is dedicated to driving sustainable growth in Mozambique and fostering stronger ties with neighboring economies.
Infrastructure and capacity enhancements
Strategically positioned to serve southern Africa, the Port of Maputo features a 400-meter quay with a 12-meter draft. The terminal has a TEU capacity of 255,000 units per year, supported by modern infrastructure that includes 450 reefer plugs, a fleet of 1,750 vehicles, and three mobile harbor cranes.
Future expansion plans for the terminal
The Maputo container terminal is set for expansion, which will introduce a 650-meter quay with a 16.5-meter draft. This upgrade will increase the terminal’s capacity to 600,000 TEU annually, bolstered by three new post-panamax ship-to-shore cranes and three additional mobile harbor cranes.
Mozambique’s role in regional trade
Mozambique is already a vital player in regional trade, acting as a key cargo hub for South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and other southern African nations. Thus, improvements to logistics infrastructure will benefit both Mozambique and its neighboring countries.
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