Mozambique has unveiled an ambitious infrastructure strategy, the “Mais Estradas” (More Roads) program, which aims to invest 2.6 billion USD (approximately 2.2 billion EUR) into the construction and rehabilitation of nearly 3,000 kilometers of national roads by 2031.
During the launch of the 2026-2031 accelerated program, Minister of Transport and Logistics João Matlombe underscored the urgency of the initiative, noting that the country’s current road network of over 30,000 kilometers is severely hindered by the fact that 72.5% remains unpaved.
This lack of infrastructure has long hampered population mobility, agricultural distribution, and territorial integration, necessitating this structured, nationwide intervention to modernize the country’s transport corridors.
The program is designed to distribute improvements across the nation, with specific allocations for the northern, central, and southern regions. According to the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, 951 kilometers will be rehabilitated in the northern provinces of Niassa, Cabo Delgado, and Nampula, while 953 kilometers are slated for work in the central provinces of Zambézia, Manica, Tete, and Sofala.
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The southern region, encompassing Gaza, Inhambane, and the Maputo metropolitan area, will see 706 kilometers of road improvements. By the end of this five-year implementation period, the government projects that the percentage of paved national roads will rise significantly from 22.5% to 37.8%, marking a historic step forward in road network quality and climate resilience against floods and cyclones.
Beyond physical improvements, the “Mais Estradas” initiative is intended to function as an economic catalyst, reducing logistical costs for goods and enhancing the country’s competitive standing in the region. By fostering better connectivity, the government expects to drive sustainable economic growth, attract investor confidence, and stimulate job creation throughout Mozambique’s provinces.
Minister Matlombe emphasized that while the nation has faced a tumultuous period, this investment represents a critical opportunity for the country to reinvent its infrastructure and create more secure and resilient pathways for national development.
Implementation of this extensive project falls to the National Road Administration (ANE), with the Minister calling for a proactive, transparent, and innovative approach to execution.
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Highlighting the need to curb corruption and maintain high construction standards, the government has urged the ANE to move beyond traditional methods and seek cost-effective, durable solutions for road maintenance, particularly for unpaved segments which currently present the greatest technical challenge.
The success of this program is viewed as vital to the nation’s broader recovery strategy, ensuring that the country can overcome financial constraints while building a road network capable of sustaining long-term growth.
