The Mozambican government has launched a call for expressions of interest to select a private investor to install and operate a vehicle assembly plant in the country under a public-private partnership (PPP), the Portuguese news agency Lusa reported on Thursday, 24 September.
Promoted by the Ministry of Transport and Logistics (MTL), the project envisages beginning production with buses before expanding the facility to the assembly of other vehicles and equipment.
According to the announcement, the future plant aims to strengthen the country's public transport capacity, support fleet renewal, and reduce dependence on imported vehicles. The initiative is also expected to contribute to the creation of skilled employment, the development of industrial competencies, and the introduction of lower-emission mobility solutions.
Among the options under consideration are vehicles powered by compressed natural gas (CNG), without ruling out hybrid, electric, or other low-carbon technologies that are technically and economically viable for Mozambique.
The MTL is seeking to select 'a private investor, consortium, or strategic partner' responsible for designing, financing, installing, equipping, operating, and developing the industrial facility.
The plant is expected to progressively develop local capabilities in vehicle assembly, maintenance and adaptation, technical training, integration of domestic components, and after-sales services for public and private operators.
The project will be developed through a public-private partnership, allowing the selected investor to participate in the implementation and expansion of the facility.
Expressions of interest must be submitted by 19 October, while terms of reference are to be made available to prospective candidates from 28 September.
Project Could Reduce Bus Procurement Costs
The launch of the tender comes approximately three months after the government announced its intention to establish a bus assembly plant in the country. At the time, the administration initiated a consultancy process to prepare the technical, legal, and financial groundwork required for investor selection.
The initiative was justified by the need to reduce bus procurement costs, provide greater flexibility in fleet renewal, and develop vehicles better suited to the requirements of the domestic market.
In June, Council of Ministers spokesperson Ussene Isse stated that the establishment of the industrial unit could reduce bus acquisition costs by approximately 40%. According to the official, the project could also contribute to industrialisation, technology transfer, job creation, and import substitution.
The ambition to develop an automotive industry in Mozambique has been under discussion for several years. In March, the government revealed that Chinese firm SG Automotive Group Co was studying the installation of a vehicle assembly unit in the country.
The project being assessed by the Chinese company includes the possibility of producing electric buses and could create up to 3,000 jobs.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/2026/09/24/negocios/infra-estruturas/governo-procura-investidor-para-instalar-fabrica-de-montagem-de-automoveis/
