Mozambique Unveils New Indian-Built Locomotives, Strengthening Freight Rail for Regional Trade
Caminhos de Ferro de Moçambique (CFM), the national railway operator, has taken a major step in modernising its freight operations with the introduction of the first two out of ten new locomotives sourced from India’s Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW). These powerful 100 km/h, 1 067 mm gauge units are equipped with EMD 710G3B engines and are poised to boost rail efficiency and capacity across Mozambique’s vital transport corridors.
The acquisition is part of a broader initiative to transform Mozambique’s logistics sector and enhance its role as a trade gateway for Southern Africa. Each locomotive comes at a price of US\$3.45 million, funded through a robust financing package that includes support from the African Development Bank, Standard Bank, and Banque pour le Commerce et l’Industrie. This investment reflects the growing emphasis on building modern, competitive infrastructure to serve both the national economy and the wider sub-Saharan region.
The unveiling ceremony, held on September 12 in Maputo, was attended by Minister of Transport & Logistics João Matlombe, who praised CFM’s forward-thinking vision. He underscored the critical importance of outcome-driven public enterprises, noting that the new locomotives “are more than just a reinforcement of the fleet.” According to Minister Matlombe, they represent a tangible commitment to transforming Mozambique’s rail and port systems—creating a backbone for economic growth, regional integration, and improved service delivery for businesses and communities alike.
This latest order of ten locomotives, placed earlier in 2025, follows BLW’s delivery of six similar units in 2020, underscoring a sustained partnership aimed at long-term fleet renewal for CFM. The expertise of consultancy firm RITES has helped facilitate the procurement process and ensure the locomotives meet the operational needs of Mozambique’s diverse freight network.
The new engines are expected to deliver significant performance improvements, enabling faster, more reliable rail transport for bulk commodities, containerised goods, and cross-border cargo. As Mozambique continues to develop its strategic transport corridors linking Zimbabwe, South Africa, and other neighbouring countries, these locomotives will play a pivotal role in unlocking regional trade flows and reducing logistics bottlenecks—a key consideration for African travel and logistics professionals seeking new growth opportunities.
For the travel sector, the modernisation of rail infrastructure brings potential ripple effects, including the possibility of enhanced intermodal connectivity, streamlined freight movement, and even the potential for future passenger rail improvements. Investments in robust rail systems can support economic diversification and create new avenues for business tourism, trade events, and cross-border collaboration across Southern Africa.
In his remarks, Minister Matlombe reiterated that the locomotives are a symbol of Mozambique’s ambition to build “a modern, efficient, and competitive railway and port system ready to serve the national economy and the region.” As Mozambique positions itself as a logistics powerhouse, such infrastructure upgrades are essential for maintaining competitiveness and attracting further investment—setting an example for other African nations aiming to revitalise their own transport sectors.
With the remaining eight locomotives set to arrive later this year, the momentum behind this modernisation drive is clear. The strengthening of CFM’s freight fleet is not just an operational upgrade; it is a strategic move to ensure Mozambique remains at the forefront of regional trade and logistics, benefitting businesses, communities, and the broader African market.
