Mozambique plans private rail operators
State-owned CFM will tender sections of the national rail network to attract more freight traffic.
Ports and Railways of Mozambique (CFM) is preparing tenders to allow private companies to operate parts of the national rail network. The state-owned company aims to attract more freight traffic and boost Mozambique's role as a transit hub for neighboring countries. CFM will remain the infrastructure manager while private firms operate services under concession.
Mozambique's freight network uses three corridors linked to the ports of Maputo, Beira, and Nacala. In the first quarter of 2026, railways carried 3.6 million metric tons of goods, a 14.9% increase year-on-year. The government announced a 14-billion-metical investment program for 2025–2030 to upgrade infrastructure, including new locomotives and freight cars.
The Confederation of Economic Associations of Mozambique called for more reliable rail operations and reviewed freight rates in June 2026. Exporters sometimes favor road transport due to unpredictable delivery times and railcar shortages. The success of the concessions will depend on efficient coordination with ports, customs, and road transport.
Why it mattersBusinesses and exporters in Mozambique will have more options for moving goods through the national rail network.