Maputo, May 28, 2026 (Lusa) – Mozambique’s transport and logistics minister called on Thursday for the establishment of a modern regulatory framework for access to the rail sector, to make the system more dynamic, competitive, transparent and aligned with international best practices.

“Our commitment is clear. We want to create a modern, stable regulatory environment aligned with international best practices, while preserving the principles of operational safety, sustainability and the public interest,” João Matlombe said at the opening of the public consultation meeting on the introduction of the Regulation on Access to Railway Operations in Maputo.

The modernisation of governance instruments in Mozambique’s railway sector is imperative, at a time when Southern Africa is strengthening its development corridors, expanding trade and accelerating investment in strategic infrastructure, he said.

"The regulation we are submitting for public consultation on Thursday is based on a progressive and reformist vision, to build a railway system that is more dynamic, transparent, competitive, and geared towards the public interest and sustainable economic growth," he said.

The government aims to establish a clear, balanced and technically robust access framework which will, amongst other things, foster healthy competition, promote greater use of the infrastructure, encourage the entry of new operators, consolidate national and regional logistics corridors, and ensure interoperability and operational efficiency, he said.

Public consultation on the introduction of the new regulation is essential, as no structural reform will succeed without dialogue, active listening, and the inclusive participation of the railway sector's key stakeholders, he added.

“We want to hear the experiences of rail operators, the perspectives of port managers, the concerns of investors, the contributions of technical experts and the expectations of logistics corridor users,” he concluded.

LN/MYAL // ADB.

Lusa