The Government is seeking an industrial partner for the establishment of a bus assembly plant, with the aim of improving the public passenger transport system in Mozambique, according to a tender notice released by Lusa.
In the document, the Transport and Communications Development Fund (FTC) explains that the Executive, through the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, is already working on the implementation of a “Public Passenger Transport System Improvement” project, intended to support the provision of resources for public transport.
According to the entity, the search for an industrial partner to implement the project is in line with the national legal and strategic framework applicable to industrial development, the promotion of private investment and the transport sector.
“The tender, valid until 23 January, is governed by the regulations of the Law on Public-Private Partnerships, Large-Scale Projects and Business Concessions, as set out in Decree No. 15/2016 of 10 August and Decree No. 79/2022 of 30 December, which regulates the contracting of Public Works, the Supply of Goods and the Provision of Services to the State,” the notice adds.
According to the publication, the “Public Passenger Transport System Improvement” project falls within the scope of promoting balance between demographic growth and investment in human development, aiming to ensure sustainable population growth and improved living conditions in Mozambique. In May of last year, the Government once again placed the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system on its urban mobility agenda, with a focus on the Greater Maputo Metropolitan Area. The information was shared at the time by the Minister of Transport and Logistics, João Matlombe, during a question-and-answer session in the Assembly of the Republic.
According to the minister, the BRT will be implemented under the MOVE Maputo Project, aiming to respond to the growing demand for public transport and improve mobility along the main urban corridors of the capital and neighbouring municipalities. The project is expected to benefit more than 140,000 passengers per day, representing coverage of over 30% of current urban transport demand.
Matlombe clarified that the BRT system, which resembles a surface metro model, includes exclusive bus lanes, upgraded stations, electronic ticketing systems and priority at traffic light intersections—factors that increase the speed, regularity and efficiency of the service.
The project has undergone several attempts at implementation, namely in 2014, 2016, 2021 and 2023, but progress was hindered by various constraints, including the suspension of external financing.
In 2014, the initial proposal envisaged a cost of around 7.2 billion meticais (100 million US dollars), to be financed by Brazil, but it was eventually cancelled following the Lava Jato operation. Subsequent attempts involved support from the World Bank, with adjusted budgets reaching up to 18.1 billion meticais (250 million US dollars).
Source: Diário Económico
