Mozambican rally driver Paulo Oliveira has confirmed his participation in the 2027 Dakar Rally, marking his fifth appearance at the gruelling off-road competition. Accompanied by co-pilot Tiago Magalhães, he will compete in the SSV category aboard a new vehicle, with the stated objectives of completing every stage and finishing in the top 20 of his class.

The announcement was made on Monday, 12 October, in Maputo, during a presentation of the team's sporting goals for the next edition of one of the world's most demanding cross-country endurance events.

Following four completed participations across different categories, Paulo Oliveira intends to leverage his accumulated experience and an enhanced preparation programme to improve on his previous results.

According to a statement issued to Diário Económico, the team will field a new vehicle that the driver describes as "more competitive". Key priorities include meeting all regulatory stage times, securing the finisher's medal, and achieving a classification inside the top 20 of the SSV category.

"Representing Mozambique at the Dakar Rally is a source of immense pride, but also of responsibility. Each participation is an opportunity to demonstrate that, with determination, preparation and a spirit of perseverance, we can compete on the greatest international stages. The Dakar demands far more than speed. It demands intelligence, endurance, decision-making capacity and, above all, a strong team," Paulo Oliveira said.

The driver also stressed the importance of using the competition to raise Mozambique's international profile.

"But there is an objective that stands above any classification: to keep carrying the Mozambican flag further and further, and to show the world the extraordinary potential of our country," he declared.

Participation Carries Institutional Tourism Backing

Beyond the sporting dimension, Paulo Oliveira intends to use his Dakar participation to promote Mozambique as a tourist destination, showcasing its natural, cultural and scenic diversity.

In his capacity as a tourism ambassador for Mozambique, the driver has the institutional support of the National Agency for Tourism Development and Investment (ANDITUR).

Héder Jauane, the chairperson of ANDITUR's board of directors, said the driver's presence at the competition represents an opportunity to strengthen the country's visibility among international audiences.

"Every time Paulo Oliveira competes at the Dakar Rally, he carries the Mozambican flag with him and represents millions of Mozambicans. His track record demonstrates that we can take our country's name to international stages and assert our potential before the world," Héder Jauane said.

Héder Jauane confirmed that ANDITUR will continue to provide institutional support to the driver's participation, highlighting the contribution that motorsport can make to tourism promotion.

The Dakar Rally is characterised by long-distance routes, demanding terrain and navigation challenges that test the endurance of competitors and the reliability of their vehicles.

In the 2027 edition, Paulo Oliveira and Tiago Magalhães will seek to convert their accumulated experience into results, with a top-20 SSV classification as their primary sporting target.