Mozambique’s National Roads Administration (ANE) has awarded five contracts for the asphalting of approximately 240 kilometres of National Road 324 (EN324) in Zambézia province, representing a total investment of 13.1 billion meticais (€179.7 million), according to the Lusa news agency.

According to an addendum to the award notice issued by ANE’s Provincial Delegation in Zambézia, the works form part of the Accelerated National Road Rehabilitation and Construction Programme 2026–2031, known as ‘Mais Estradas’ (More Roads).

The interventions cover sections linking the districts of Maganja da Costa, Namacurra, and Pebane, spanning a total of approximately 240 kilometres.

CHICO Wins Two Contracts

Chinese firm China Henan International Cooperation Group Co Ltd (CHICO) was selected to execute two of the five contracts. The largest award, valued at 3.3 billion meticais (€45.6 million), covers the asphalting of the 46-kilometre stretch between Namacurra and Macuse.

The same company also won the tender for works on the Malei–Maganja da Costa section, covering 56 kilometres, at a cost of 3.1 billion meticais (€42.7 million).

The remaining three contracts were awarded to Serralharia e Construções Nasser. The first covers the 40-kilometre stretch between Maganja da Costa and the Muedebo River, at a cost of 1.9 billion meticais (€26.1 million). The second corresponds to the section between the Muedebo and Munhiga rivers, spanning 49 kilometres, budgeted at 2.4 billion meticais (€33.5 million). The third, also 49 kilometres, links the Munhiga River to Pebane and represents an investment of 2.3 billion meticais (€31.8 million).

Programme Targets More Than 3,000 Kilometres Nationwide

The ‘Mais Estradas’ programme, with an implementation horizon extending to 2031, is one of the government’s principal initiatives to expand the paved road network and improve connectivity between production centres, logistics corridors, and coastal areas across the country.

In October, Minister of Transport and Logistics João Matlombe stated that the programme is valued at US$2.8 billion (€2.5 billion) and envisages interventions covering more than 3,000 kilometres of roads across the national territory.

At the time, the minister indicated that the initiative was at an advanced stage of implementation, with public tenders already launched and proposals under evaluation ahead of subsequent contract awards. The government expected to begin mobilising equipment and commencing works during the first quarter of 2027.

João Matlombe also called for a shift in the management of the national road network, with greater rigour in planning, prioritisation, and the use of available resources.

“We cannot continue to intervene on roads only when deterioration reaches critical levels,” he said, advocating an approach based on preventive maintenance, construction quality, adherence to contractual deadlines, and strengthened oversight.