Nacala Logistics Builds Capacity for Regional Rail Growth Through the Nacala Corridor
Nacala Logistics is positioning the Nacala Corridor as a stronger regional rail logistics route across Mozambique and Malawi, with the planned reactivation of the Chipata–Mchinji Railway Line extending the corridor’s reach into Zambia. Linking the Port of Nacala to inland markets, mining operations, agricultural production centres and emerging cross-border freight flows, the corridor is increasingly being framed as a practical logistics route for regional trade.
On 1 May 2026, Nacala Logistics resumed rail operations to Mchinji following the recent Memorandum of Understanding signed with Cuthbert Malindi, Managing Director of Zambia Railways Limited.
The arrival of a general cargo train in the border town of Mchinji, carrying 17,000 tonnes of wheat for onward delivery by truck to Lusaka, marked the resumption of operations in the region after an eight-year interruption in rail traffic along this strategic route.
For Zambian shippers, the Port of Nacala offers a deep-water Indian Ocean gateway connected to an established railway network. The port has undergone modernisation and rehabilitation, supported by JICA funding, with new equipment improving operational efficiency and cargo handling.
Transit time is also part of the corridor’s value proposition. Current rail movements include 48 hours between Nacala and Blantyre, and 50 hours between Nacala and Kanengo. Once the Mchinji–Chipata connection is fully operational, Nacala Logistics expects the Nacala–Chipata movement to take between 58 and 72 hours.
Nacala Logistics’ core business is built around an integrated pit-to-port model, with coal mined in Moatize, transported by rail and exported through Nacala. Alongside coal, the company moves containerised cargo, packed cargo, bulk cargo, fuel, fertiliser and agricultural commodities across Mozambique and Malawi.
The company’s general cargo operation has an annual capacity of 2 million tonnes. Its general cargo fleet includes more than 40 locomotives and more than 692 operational wagons. Current general cargo volumes are between 80,000 and 90,000 tonnes per month.
Coal remains the largest component of the business. The coal line runs approximately 912km on 1,067mm gauge, with trains made up of 120 wagons and four locomotives. The coal fleet includes more than 101 locomotives and 2,647 wagons. Current coal capacity is 18 million tonnes per annum, with investment underway to increase this to 24 million tonnes per annum. The target operating cycle is 65 hours, with speeds of up to 70km/h.
Nacala Logistics’ 2025 performance reflected stronger operational execution across both coal and general cargo. The company exceeded its coal transportation targets, closing the year at 14.56 million tonnes against a previous best of 13.7 million tonnes, while also exceeding its general cargo targets for containers, bagged cargo, fertiliser, clinker and related traffic.
Nacala Logistics has introduced almost 100 flat wagons capable of carrying two 20-foot TEUs, supporting the next phase of growth by increasing container capacity and improving wagon utilisation. The investment marks a shift from previous operations, where wagons generally carried either one 40-foot container or one 20-foot container.
Together with CFM, the company has also acquired 50 heavy container-carrying wagons. Each wagon can carry at least 60 tonnes of net cargo, strengthening the corridor’s ability to handle heavier freight movements.
At the coal port, Nacala Logistics has invested in a second wagon tippler at Nacala-à-Velha and expanded the coal stocking yard. The company is also investing in IT and geo-enabled rail network management to improve operational control across the corridor.
Future infrastructure planning also includes energy provision for the planned electrified rail operation, with requirements expected to be supported by a planned power plant in Tete. The initial project is for 300MW, with the potential to expand to 1,200MW in future.
Upgrades between Chipata, Mchinji and Salima are also being considered to prepare the network for higher volumes, heavier loads, high-capacity locomotives and modern wagons. Strengthening axle-load capability will be important as the corridor moves towards increased regional freight movement.
Although freight remains central to the business, passenger services continue to form part of Nacala Logistics’ wider operation. The company runs passenger services in Mozambique and Malawi, carrying more than 1 million passengers annually.
The operation also has a significant employment footprint, with around 4,600 workers across its activities. The workforce is divided between own employees and third-party workers, with the majority drawn from Mozambique and Malawi. Women represent around 9% of the workforce.