Mozambique: CTA Calls for Major Shift in Freight Transport Model

What the report says

Mozambique’s Confederation of Business Associations (CTA) is urging a major rethink of the country’s freight transport system, saying coastal shipping could help lower logistics costs and improve the movement of goods. The comments were reported by AIM/AllAfrica from Maputo and were presented in the context of a seminar at the 61st Maputo International Fair (FACIM 2026).

At the event, António Souza, who leads the CTA’s infrastructure portfolio, argued that regular maritime links between parts of the country could strengthen economic ties between the north, center and south, while reducing dependence on roads alone. The seminar title, “From Asphalt to Sea: Coastal Shipping, Competitiveness, and National Logistics Transformation,” reflected that push for a broader transport mix.

Participants said a coastal shipping network could ease pressure on road transport, cut long-distance freight costs and better serve private-sector needs. They also pointed to practical hurdles, including port delays, operating expenses, pricing, and the speed of licensing, docking and cargo-handling procedures.

The broader idea, as presented in the report, is that combining sea, road and rail transport could make goods movement more predictable and competitive. In general, such logistics reforms are often seen as important for trade efficiency and national integration, though the article focused specifically on the CTA’s call for maritime freight to play a larger role.