Grindrod has celebrated a major milestone in the continued development of its Matola dry-bulk terminal with an official groundbreaking ceremony marking the start of its expansion programme.
The event, attended by His Excellency Eng. João Jorge Matlombe, Minister of Transport and Logistics, launched Phase 1 of the Back-of-Terminal (BOT) development — reaffirming Grindrod’s long-term commitment to Mozambique’s logistics infrastructure and regional trade growth.
Six months earlier, at this same terminal, His Excellency Daniel Francisco Chapo, President of the Republic of Mozambique, inaugurated Grindrod’s new administrative building and officially announced the start of the expansion project. Today’s ceremony turns that vision into action, advancing Mozambique’s position as a key regional trade gateway.
Since taking over operational management of the terminal in 2007, Grindrod has invested more than USD 52 million in modernising the facility, integrating new technologies, and increasing handling capacity.
With the acquisition of the remaining 35% shareholding in the terminal and the extension of its sub-concession agreement with the Maputo Port Development Company (MPDC) until 2058, Grindrod reinforces its position as a long-term logistics partner to Mozambique.
Phase 1 represents an investment of USD 40 million (out of a total of USD 80 million) and will enable the full mechanisation of the BOT area, increasing the terminal’s capacity from 8 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) to 12 mtpa, and expanding the site from 40,800 m² to 157,760 m². Completion of this phase is expected in the first half of 2027.
Phase 2 will add storage and loading infrastructure, integrating operations between the Front and Back of Terminal to ultimately handle up to 15 mtpa.
“Today we transform vision into action and action into tangible results for our country and the SADC region,” said His Excellency Eng. João Jorge Matlombe. “This expansion strengthens the Maputo Corridor and reinforces Mozambique’s position as a regional logistics hub through collaboration between the Government and the private sector.”
“The restart of this expansion marks a renewed commitment to operational excellence and to delivering efficient, competitive logistics solutions,” added Kwazi Mabaso, CEO of Grindrod Bulk and incoming Group CEO of Grindrod Limited. “With modern infrastructure and integrated systems, the Matola Terminal is well positioned to meet growing regional demand and to facilitate Africa’s trade with the world.”
