Chinese investors have secured a 25-year contract to build and operate a new one-stop border post in Mozambique, a project expected to improve trade flows between the country’s central transport corridor and neighboring Zimbabwe.

The Machipanda border post project comes as Mozambique looks to upgrade key infrastructure links that support regional commerce and reduce delays affecting freight movement.

The crossing is one of the busiest routes connecting the Port of Beira with markets in Southern Africa.

The $30 million investment highlights the growing role of foreign capital in Mozambique’s transport sector as the government seeks private-sector partnerships to expand logistics capacity and improve cross-border trade.

The agreement was awarded to Chinese companies Union Portlink Capital and Zhongmei Engineering Group, which will develop and operate the facility under a public-private partnership model.

Project to ease freight delays at key border crossing

Government spokesman Inocêncio Impissa said the Chinese firms will hold a 75% stake in the project, while Mozambique’s state road fund will contribute 15%. The remaining 10% will be owned by local investors.

More than 400 freight trucks pass through Machipanda every day, carrying goods between the Port of Beira and inland markets.

Officials expect the new border facility to simplify customs procedures, shorten waiting times and improve the movement of cargo across the region.

Chinese firms expand Mozambique infrastructure presence

Construction of the border post is expected to begin in October, with the project estimated to cost $30 million, according to the government.

The deal adds to a growing list of infrastructure projects secured by the two Chinese companies in Mozambique.

Union Portlink Capital and Zhongmei Engineering Group are also involved in the development of the Beira Port Access Road and the Dondo Logistics Terminal, with combined investments of about $160 million.

Union Portlink Capital and Zhongmei Engineering Group are Chinese infrastructure and logistics companies focused on transport, trade and supply chain projects.

Their work in Mozambique includes road and logistics developments aimed at improving links between the Port of Beira and regional markets.

The Machipanda border post is expected to strengthen Mozambique’s role as a regional trade route while supporting faster movement of goods between coastal ports and landlocked economies in Southern Africa.