Mozambican ports handled 70,170 tonnes of cargo in 2024, marking a 10.7% increase from 2023, despite a slight decline in traffic at the Port of Maputo, which accounted for nearly half of the total volume, according to official data compiled by Lusa.
Cargo movement at the ports of Beira and Nacala grew by 12.9% and 13.6%, respectively, while Maputo saw a marginal decline of 0.3% compared to the previous year. In 2023, Mozambique’s ports handled 63,361 tonnes of cargo.
The overall increase in port activity was attributed to higher demand, increased cargo handling capacity, greater efficiency, and reduced processing times.
Growth was particularly driven by higher volumes of fuel, wheat, and fertilizers, as well as a shift of cargo from other regional ports.
Secondary ports also experienced significant growth, with Nacala-a-Velha recording a 33.4% increase, Topuito rising by 9.8%, Quelimane by 32.5%, Mocímboa da Praia by an extraordinary 1,036.4%, and Pemba by 14.7%.
Despite the overall positive trend, cargo volumes at the Port of Maputo declined to 30.9 million tonnes in 2024. The Maputo Port Development Company (MPDC) attributed the drop to post-election protests that disrupted logistics, including road blockades and temporary border closures.
The railway corridor between South Africa and Mozambique was also affected by protests and a derailment in late 2023, which forced a month-long closure.
Since October 21, post-election demonstrations in Mozambique have resulted in over 300 deaths, 700 injuries, and widespread destruction of public and private infrastructure, further straining the country’s transportation network.
