Mozambique and Zambia to Sign a $1.5 Billion Pipeline Deal Connecting Beira to Ndola

Mozambique and Zambia are taking a major step toward deepening regional economic cooperation with the signing of a $1.5 billion (€1.3 billion) memorandum of understanding for the construction of a petroleum pipeline. The announcement was made by Mozambican President Daniel Chapo during the opening of the 11th Mozambique Mining and Energy Conference (MMEC) in Maputo.

The new pipeline will stretch from the port city of Beira, located in central Mozambique, to Ndola, Zambia’s industrial and commercial hub. With an annual transport capacity of 3.5 million metric tons, the pipeline is expected to ease Zambia’s dependence on road transport for petroleum products. This shift will not only reduce the number of fuel trucks traveling across national highways but also lower transportation costs and minimize road congestion and accidents.

The project also includes the construction of new storage facilities in both Beira and Ndola, improving fuel storage capacity and ensuring a more stable and secure supply chain. For Zambia, a landlocked nation, the pipeline represents a critical investment in energy security and infrastructure development, helping to safeguard its growing economy from fuel shortages and fluctuating supply lines.

President Chapo highlighted that the project is a testament to Mozambique’s improving investment climate, emphasizing the country’s efforts in implementing reforms that attract private sector participation. "These milestones reflect not only the robustness of our reserves, but above all the environment of credibility, security, and reform that we are consolidating in attracting the private sector to boost our economy," Chapo said.

The signing of the agreement is set to take place today on the side-lines of the MMEC, a major regional event that brings together government leaders, industry experts, investors, and key stakeholders in mining and energy.

Once completed, the pipeline is expected to strengthen economic ties between Mozambique and Zambia, drive regional trade, and set a new benchmark for infrastructure collaboration in Southern Africa.