The Mozambican government has approved new reforms for the railway and civil aviation sectors, introducing updated regulations aimed at improving transport services, boosting connectivity, and supporting the country’s economic growth.
According to clubofmozambique, speaking at the end of the 21st ordinary session of the Council of Ministers, held today in Maputo, the body’s spokesperson, Salim Valá, announced the approval of the decree establishing rules of access for railway activity, repealing legislation in force since 1966 dating back to the colonial period.
“The regulation aims to establish the legal framework defining conditions and requirements for accessing and operating railway activities, meeting the challenges imposed by the dynamics and environment of a liberalized market,” said Valá.
According to the official, the measure seeks to update the national railway sector’s legal framework, which was considered ill-suited to current economic and operational realities.
The Mozambican Minister of Transport and Logistics announced in June the opening of the country’s railway network to new private operators, aiming to improve productivity and curb the constant inefficiency recorded under the monopoly of state company CFM.
“Our approach regarding logistics is clear: logistics cannot be done under a monopoly. We conducted consultations and will open railway access to different operators,” declared João Matlombe.
In the same Council of Ministers session, the executive also approved a decree restructuring the classification of national airports and aligning Mozambican airspace management with the principles of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, repealing 2022 legislation.
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According to the spokesperson, the legislative revision seeks to modernize the civil aviation sector and establish conditions to enhance communication, information exchange, and access to airport services.
“The decree aims to streamline communication, information exchange, service access, innovation, and economic growth, which could increase passenger volumes transported, contributing to improved inter-regional connectivity and consequently driving competitiveness and productivity,” explained Valá.
The Council of Ministers also evaluated and approved a bill establishing the legal framework for non-conviction-based civil forfeiture, to be submitted to the Assembly of the Republic. According to the Government, the initiative aims to create a legal framework for forfeiting assets linked to illegal acts, including those used in their execution, produced from those activities, or constituting direct or indirect economic advantages.
A decree revising the legal framework governing private educational operations was also approved, repealing 1999 legislation. According to the Government, the decree redefines rules applicable to private institutions within the National Education System, covering pre-school, general and adult education, vocational education, as well as foreign curriculum schools and national/foreign language institutes.
