Mozambique’s maritime sector is experiencing notable growth, with ports handling over 70 million tonnes of cargo in 2024, a 10.7% increase from the previous year.
This growth is attributed to rising demand, improved port efficiency and infrastructure enhancements, but progress is tempered by ongoing security concerns.
The northern province of Cabo Delgado continues to face insurgent activity linked to the Islamic State, leading to significant humanitarian impacts and disruptions in regional stability.
In 2024, the Port of Nacala achieved a 7.6% increase in cargo handling, reaching a historic milestone of 1.4 million tonnes, including 100 000 TEUs.
Similarly, Beira experienced a 12.9% growth in cargo throughput.
Conversely, Maputo saw a slight decline of 0.3%, attributed to post-election unrest and road blockages that hindered logistics.
Despite these challenges, Mozambique’s ports remain vital trade gateways, year-on-year best-performance hubs according to the latest Container Port Performance Index by the World Bank.
Nacala and Beira, especially, have impressed by expanding their reach to new markets in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas.
The insurgency in Cabo Delgado led to the displacement of over 46 000 people in a single week in July 2025, of whom nearly 60% were children. This ongoing conflict has disrupted local economies, including port operations, and has deterred significant foreign investment, notably in the energy sector.
Notably, ExxonMobil postponed its $30 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in the region, citing security risks. TotalEnergies had previously declared force majeure on its $20 billion LNG facility due to similar concerns but is now considering resumption, believing security conditions have improved.
The insurgency has not only affected inland logistics but has also posed direct threats to maritime security. There have been instances of attacks on port facilities and vessels, raising concerns about the safety of shipping routes in the Mozambique Channel.
While Mozambique’s ports demonstrate resilience and growth potential, the persistent security challenges in the north pose significant risks to the sector’s stability and future development. Addressing these concerns is crucial for maintaining investor confidence and ensuring the continued success of the country’s maritime industry.
SOURCE: Container News, 360 Mozambique, Club of Mozambique.
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