The South African logistics company Grindrod announced plans to strengthen its presence in the Maputo logistics corridor, highlighting the expansion of the Matola bulk solids terminal, an infrastructure considered strategic for regional export flows.
According to the portal Engineering News, the information was shared by Grindrod CEO Kwazi Mabaso during the presentation of the group’s financial results for the fiscal year ending December 31, when he revealed that the company had completed an internal strategic reorganization and is now preparing for a new phase of growth.
Among the priority projects is the expansion of the Matola terminal, located at the Port of Maputo, which is expected to handle up to 12 million tons per year. The infrastructure, currently 100% owned by Grindrod, recorded a record volume of 9.9 million tons in 2025, consolidating its importance for the export of minerals and other bulk cargo.
According to Mabaso, the expansion project is in an advanced stage and is expected to enter operational testing at the beginning of 2027.
At the same time, the company is also involved in the development strategy of the Port of Maputo through the Maputo Port Development Company (MPDC), the concessionaire responsible for managing, operating, and developing the port until 2058. As part of this concession, a new dredging campaign is planned to increase the port’s depth and operational capacity. This intervention will allow the reception of large container ships and full operation of Cape-size vessels at the Matola terminal.
The project is expected to increase handling capacity at the quay for ships of around 170,000 tons, enhancing the port’s competitiveness in the regional context. Dredging completion is scheduled for the end of 2027.
Grindrod considers the development of Maputo’s port and logistics infrastructure to have played a decisive role in the growth of its operations over the past two decades.
“For almost two decades, we have been long-term partners at the Port of Maputo through investment in MPDC and operation of the Matola terminal. During this period, we transformed an old bulk terminal into a modern high-performance export point,” Mabaso said.
“This is the first expansion project of the Matola bulk terminal in Maputo, which will increase the terminal’s capacity to 12 million tons per year.”
Kwazi Mabaso – Grindrod CEO
According to the executive, the volumes handled at the terminal reflect this growth. Over approximately 11 years, operational capacity increased from four million to around 10 million tons per year.
In addition to investing in port infrastructure, the company plans to strengthen the logistical integration of the Maputo corridor through the rail transport of coal from South Africa. To this end, Grindrod plans to acquire 50 rail wagons, which will enable the transport of around 400,000 tons of coal per year between Belfast and Komatipoort, boosting volumes destined for the Matola terminal.
The investments come at a time when the Port of Maputo has experienced continuous growth in cargo handling, consolidating itself as one of the main exit points for minerals and commodities in the Southern Africa region.
On the financial front, Grindrod reported a 1% increase in revenues from core operations, reaching around 404 million dollars, while operating profit from the core business grew 13%, to approximately 123 million dollars—a performance largely attributed to the strong results of the Matola terminal.
Source: Diário Económico
