Africa-Press – Mozambique. In a major boost to Mozambique’s rail infrastructure, Portos e Caminhos de Ferro de Moçambique (CFM) and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) have signed three financing agreements to support the doubling of the Maputo–Ressano Garcia railway line and the upgrade of its signalling system. The total investment amounts to approximately €145 million, combining two non-sovereign loans from AFD worth $133 million and a €30 million grant from the European Union.
This railway corridor is a critical link for passenger and freight transport in southern Mozambique, connecting Maputo to the South African border at Ressano Garcia. The planned works will double the final section of the line, significantly increasing rail traffic capacity and enabling a modal shift from road to rail. The project is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by around 30,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent per year, contributing to national climate goals.
In parallel, the current signalling system will be replaced by a modern, more reliable system, aimed at reducing accidents and improving operational efficiency across the corridor.
“CFM requested this funding to respond to what is outlined in its Strategic Plan, which aims to execute a number of projects, including the doubling as well as the modernization of the signalling system of the Ressano Garcia line, the acquisition of rolling stock, improve urban mobility etc. so as to better contribute to the economic development of Mozambique, as well as full regional integration,” stated Agostinho Langa Júnior, Chairman of CFM.
“The AFD and EU funding will enable to increase the capacity of the Ressano Garcia Line, from the current 14.9 million tons per year to 44.6 million tons per year, after the completion of the second phase.”
“We are very proud to finance this project through AFD and to support Mozambique sustainable development and regional integration. France has world-renowned expertise in the railway sector, and we expect our industrial ecosystem to be fully mobilized to contribute to the project,” said Yann Pradeau, French Ambassador to Mozambique and Eswatini.
“This strategic investment reflects the European Union’s commitment under the Global Gateway strategy to promote smart, clean and secure transport corridors that drive regional integration and economic development. By supporting the doubling of the Maputo–Ressano Garcia railway and upgrading its signalling system, we are helping shift freight from road to rail, thus enhancing safety, reducing emissions, and reinforcing Mozambique’s role as a key logistics hub in Southern Africa,” added Paula Vazquez-Horyaans, Head of Cooperation of the EU Delegation to Mozambique.
The next phase of the project includes the recruitment of two consulting firms: one to support CFM in the design and supervision of the works, and another for project management. The construction phase is expected to be completed by 2030, marking a milestone in Mozambique’s path towards sustainable infrastructure and enhanced regional connectivity.
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