The Minister of Transport and Logistics, João Matlombe, is on a working visit to Japan to strengthen strategic partnership and economic cooperation between the two countries, as well as to attract more investment into the transport and logistics infrastructure sector.
A statement released by the Club of Mozambique revealed that on Thursday, May 21, the Mozambican minister held bilateral meetings with Ayano Kunimitsu, Japan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Manabu Nagai, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
During the meeting, the authorities discussed concrete cooperation opportunities in the port, railway, and logistics sectors. Matlombe reaffirmed Mozambique’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment capable of attracting Japanese companies to strategic projects with significant economic and regional impact.
“The officials discussed the Nacala Logistics Corridor, recognized by Japan as a strategic axis with significant potential, as well as progress made in the development of its infrastructure since the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD),” the statement said.
João Matlombe also shared details of an agreement signed with Malawi, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for the construction of a regional integration railway line, and formally invited the Japanese private sector to participate in the project from the feasibility study phase through to implementation.
In February, the Japanese government announced, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), an investment of over 30 million US dollars for the construction of a sand dam in Nacala, Nampula province, and a bridge in Tete province, with works expected to begin in 2027.
Valued at over 30 million dollars, the projects aim to strengthen national infrastructure and boost regional integration. They are structured around three pillars: strengthening the Nacala economic corridor, rebuilding Cabo Delgado, and addressing urban challenges in Maputo.
According to JICA, the initiatives will benefit not only Mozambique but also neighboring countries by promoting greater connectivity and resilience to climate change. The goal is to consolidate the country’s strategic role in the region’s economic dynamics.
The sand dam in Nacala, budgeted at 21 million dollars, is intended to protect the region from climate impacts and ensure greater water security. Construction is expected to start in May 2027 and be completed by June 2029.
