Mozambique has awarded a 25-year concession to two Chinese companies to build and operate a one-stop border post at Machipanda, a strategic crossing linking the country to neighbouring Zimbabwe, according to Business Insider Africa.
The concession was granted to Union Portlink Capital and Zhongmei Engineering Group under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, Bloomberg reported. The two Chinese firms will hold a combined 75% stake in the venture, while the Mozambican government will retain 15% through the Roads Fund. The remaining 10% will be held by Mozambican entrepreneurs.
Construction of the facility is expected to begin in October at an estimated cost of US$30 million, according to government spokesman Inocêncio Impissa.
Machipanda is one of the region’s most important trade corridors, connecting Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi to the Port of Beira, Mozambique’s second-largest seaport.
More than 400 freight trucks cross the border daily, carrying goods between the port and the landlocked interior of the region. Authorities expect the one-stop border post to streamline customs and immigration procedures, reduce congestion and cut cargo waiting times, thereby improving the efficiency of cross-border trade.
The project forms part of broader efforts under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to upgrade transport infrastructure and facilitate the faster movement of goods across African borders.
The latest deal further consolidates the footprint of Chinese companies in Mozambique’s transport and logistics sector. Union Portlink Capital and Zhongmei Engineering Group already hold contracts to develop the Beira Port Access Road and the Dondo Logistics Terminal — projects valued at approximately US$160 million. Together with the Machipanda border post, these investments are expected to strengthen connectivity between the Port of Beira and key regional markets.
China remains one of Africa’s largest infrastructure financiers, backing road, rail, port and industrial projects across the continent through state-owned financial institutions and private companies.
For Mozambique, the border project is expected to reinforce the country’s position as a major logistics hub in Southern Africa by improving the flow of goods along one of its busiest trade routes.
As regional trade volumes continue to grow, investment in border infrastructure will be critical to reducing transport costs, boosting trade efficiency and enhancing the competitiveness of the Port of Beira as a gateway for Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and other landlocked economies in the region.
Source: Mercado / Original article: https://mercado.co.ao/mocambique-adjudica-a-empresas-chinesas-a-construcao-da-fronteira-unica-com-o-zimbabwe/
