Transport sector specialists, academics, and business representatives emphasized on Tuesday, March 17, in Maputo, the need to strengthen infrastructure, invest in technological innovation, and develop human resources as key pillars to address the country’s mobility challenges.
These positions were presented during the Conference and Seminars on Sustainable Mobility of People and Goods (C&S 2026), held at the Port of Maputo, bringing together national and international stakeholders to discuss structural solutions for the sector.
The administrator of Caminhos-de-Ferro de Moçambique (CFM), Cândido Jone, highlighted the need to modernize and make transport infrastructure resilient, stressing the impacts of climate change on the railway network.
“We need to have our infrastructure at international standards,” he said, adding that some railway lines, such as the Limpopo line, have been affected by extreme weather events, demonstrating the need for more robust systems adapted to the region’s reality.
He also pointed to digitalization as a key axis for logistical efficiency, noting that CFM, in cooperation with the MPDC, has been implementing platforms like Rail-to-Port, which allow greater control and visibility of operations.
Meanwhile, senior researcher José Manuel Mendonça from the INESC TEC advocated for an integrated approach based on science and technology, warning about the growing urban pressure and negative impacts on supply chains.
“No institution, government, or country can solve this alone,” he said, emphasizing the need to create innovation ecosystems that integrate scientific, technological, and economic skills to support decision-making.
The expert also stressed that increasing urban populations and intensified flows of people and goods are worsening problems such as congestion, inefficiency, and pollution, requiring structured, data-driven solutions.
“One of the major challenges is training human resources capable of developing and operating the transport network.”
— Fernando Leite, Rector of ISUTC
Paulo Pereira, president of Mota-Engil Moçambique, noted that there are no immediate solutions for mobility challenges, advocating for long-term strategic planning. “There is no magic wand to solve this issue,” he said, adding that it is essential to ensure effective coordination between different transport infrastructures and strengthen the state’s role in overall mobility planning.
He also highlighted the importance of legislation and sustainability, noting that infrastructure projects must consider their environmental and social impact.
Fernando Leite, rector of the Instituto Superior de Transportes e Comunicações (ISUTC), emphasized the central role of human resource training in the development of the transport sector, warning about the shortage of qualified personnel in the country.
“One of the major challenges for the transport sector will be ensuring that training institutions provide the human resources needed,” he said, advocating for greater coordination between educational institutions, the public sector, and international partners.
According to the academic, an efficient transport network is a key driver of economic growth, with a direct impact on sectors such as agriculture, industry, tourism, health, and education.
The event takes place on March 17–18, 2026, in Maputo, bringing together researchers, business professionals, and public decision-makers to discuss current and future mobility and logistics challenges. The initiative includes conferences and seminars focused on sustainable mobility of people and goods, promoting strategic reflection and knowledge sharing among different sector stakeholders.
Source: Diário Económico
