Northern Mozambique Railways

Northern Mozambique Railways: Vital Links in the Nacala Corridor

As Mozambique positions itself as a gateway for Southern African trade, its northern railway network stands out as a cornerstone of economic potential. The Nacala Corridor—a strategic logistics mega-enterprise spanning Mozambique, Malawi, and Zambia—relies heavily on these lines to transport coal, agricultural goods, minerals, and passengers efficiently to global markets. Stretching from the deep-water Port of Nacala, these railways facilitate over 18 million tons of annual coal exports alone, while supporting regional integration and investment opportunities in mining, agriculture, and logistics. For investors eyeing Mozambique's north, understanding the Nacala-Cuamba, Cuamba-Lichinga, and Cuamba-Entre Lagos lines is essential. These routes not only connect key provinces like Nampula and Niassa but also tie into the broader corridor, enhancing access to ports like Nacala and Pemba for export-driven growth.

The Nacala-Cuamba Line: The Backbone of Northern Freight

The Nacala-Cuamba line forms the primary artery of the northern rail network, linking the bustling Port of Nacala in Nampula Province to the inland hub of Cuamba in Niassa Province. Spanning 533 kilometers, this meter-gauge (1,067 mm) route was fully rehabilitated in the post-civil war era with a US$254 million investment from France, Portugal, and other donors, transforming it into a reliable conduit for bulk cargo. As part of the extended 610 km Nacala-Entre Lagos main line, it handles diverse freight including coal from Moatize mines (via connections through Malawi), cotton, tobacco, and general goods.

Key facts and figures underscore its investment appeal:

• Annual Capacity and Volume: The line supports up to 2 million tons of cargo per year, with locomotive productivity focused on high-volume exports like coal (projected at 18 million tons annually across the full corridor).
• Infrastructure Highlights: Fully electrified sections and upgraded signaling enable two pairs of freight trains daily, plus passenger services. Rehabilitation included track strengthening for heavier loads, boosting speeds to 60-80 km/h for freight.
• Economic Impact: Operated by CFM-North and Nacala Logistics (a Vale subsidiary), it services exports from Zambia and Malawi, generating revenue through multi-user terminals.

Directly integrated with the Port of Nacala—a modern facility with a dedicated coal terminal operational since 2015—this line exemplifies the corridor's efficiency, reducing transport costs by up to 30% compared to road alternatives and opening doors for logistics hubs in Nampula.

The Cuamba-Lichinga Line: Unlocking Niassa's Remote Potential

Branching north from Cuamba, the Cuamba-Lichinga line extends 262 kilometers through the verdant landscapes of Niassa Province to the provincial capital of Lichinga, near Lake Niassa. This spur line, dormant for six years due to war damage and neglect, roared back to life in November 2016 with a multimillion-dollar rehabilitation by CFM (Caminhos de Ferro de Moçambique). It faced setbacks from Tropical Cyclone Freddy in March 2023, which destroyed sections, but was swiftly repaired and resumed operations by July 2023, demonstrating resilience in Mozambique's infrastructure push.

Investment highlights include:

• Passenger and Freight Metrics: Since reopening, it has transported over 78,000 passengers in its first eight months alone, with growing demand for agricultural exports like timber and cashews. Freight capacity stands at 500,000 tons annually, with plans for expansion.
• Technical Specs: The 1,067 mm gauge line features 15 major bridges and tunnels, upgraded for 40-60 km/h speeds. It includes modern stations at Cuamba and Lichinga, supporting daily passenger trains.
• Development Funding: Backed by World Bank and African Development Bank initiatives, recent upgrades cost around US$20 million, focusing on flood-resistant designs.

As a vital extension of the Nacala Corridor, this line connects Niassa's untapped mineral and biofuel resources to the main network, funneling goods southward to Port of Nacala for export. While not directly linked to Port of Pemba (which relies more on road and sea routes), it bolsters northern trade flows, making Lichinga a prime spot for agro-processing investments.

The Cuamba-Entre Lagos Line: Gateway to Regional Borders

The shortest yet strategically crucial segment, the Cuamba-Entre Lagos line covers 77 kilometers westward from Cuamba to the Malawian border at Entre Lagos. Rehabilitated in the mid-1990s as part of the broader Nacala Corridor revival (with US$50 million in upgrades), this line serves as the critical handover point for cross-border freight, integrating Mozambique's network with Malawi's Central East African Railways.

Notable facts and figures:

• Freight Throughput: It processes 1-2 million tons annually, primarily coal and fertilizers transiting to/from Malawi and Zambia, with capacity for 10-15 trains weekly.
• Infrastructure Details: Upgrades in 2016-2018 included 25 km of track recovery and border facility enhancements, enabling seamless gauge-compatible handovers. Speeds average 50 km/h, with ongoing electrification pilots.
• Connectivity Boost: Passenger services link to Malawi's Nkaya, supporting 50,000 cross-border travelers yearly.

This line epitomizes the Nacala Corridor's multinational scope, directly feeding into the 912 km full route from Moatize coal fields through Malawi to Port of Nacala. It positions investors for opportunities in border logistics parks, enhancing trade volumes projected to grow 20% by 2025.

Ties to Key Ports and the Nacala Corridor Vision

These northern lines converge on the Port of Nacala, Mozambique's deepest natural harbor (18.5 meters draft), which handles 20 million tons of cargo yearly via its coal terminal and multi-user berths. The Nacala-Cuamba line provides seamless rail access, enabling just-in-time exports that cut logistics costs for landlocked neighbors. Port of Pemba, in Cabo Delgado Province, complements this as a northern oil and gas hub (with LNG projects like Rovuma), though it lacks direct rail connectivity—relying instead on road links from Nampula. Future corridor expansions could bridge this gap, potentially via a proposed north-south rail alignment.

Overall, the Nacala Corridor—encompassing 1,600 km of rail, ports, and roads—drives US$2-3 billion in annual trade, with investments from Vale, Japan, and the World Bank totaling over US$2.7 billion. For investors, these lines offer high returns in freight (10-15% ROI on upgrades) and passenger growth (20% yearly). As Mozambique's north awakens to mining and agriculture booms, these railways are not just tracks—they're the rails to prosperity.

The Role of Northern Mozambique Railways in Supporting Landlocked Countries

Mozambique's northern railways—Nacala-Cuamba, Cuamba-Lichinga, and Cuamba-Entre Lagos—are pivotal to the Nacala Corridor, a 1,600 km logistics network connecting landlocked Malawi and Zambia to the Port of Nacala. These lines, handling over 18 million tons of cargo annually, including coal, tobacco, and minerals, reduce transport costs by up to 30% compared to road alternatives, fostering economic integration for resource-rich but geographically isolated nations. The Nacala-Cuamba line (533 km) links the deep-water port to inland hubs, supporting 2 million tons of freight yearly. The Cuamba-Entre Lagos line (77 km) connects directly to Malawi, facilitating 1-2 million tons of cross-border trade, while the Cuamba-Lichinga line (262 km) unlocks Niassa's agricultural and mineral potential, moving 500,000 tons annually.

For Malawi, these railways are a lifeline, enabling exports like tobacco and sugar, which account for 80% of its foreign earnings, and cutting transit times significantly.

Zambia benefits by exporting copper and coal efficiently, with the corridor handling 70% of its export volume. Zimbabwe, while primarily using the Beira Corridor, could save millions by leveraging Nacala for eastern trade. Though Rwanda relies on distant East African routes, the corridor's success offers a model for regional connectivity. Backed by US$2.7 billion in investments, these lines drive US$2-3 billion in trade, promising 10-15% ROI for logistics and agro-processing ventures. By enhancing access to global markets, northern Mozambique's railways empower landlocked nations, fostering sustainable growth and resilience.