Mozambique faces a $3.5 billion bill to repair its road network after recent floods, Transport and Logistics Minister João Matlombe said. The government had previously approved a $1.2 billion emergency plan in 2025 to rehabilitate sections of the main north-south highway (EN1) and regional roads, but worsening conditions have raised the total cost.
“Given the recent damage, the total cost to repair the network now stands at $3.5 billion,” Matlombe said, noting that parts of the country’s rail network also suffered damage and will require further repairs.
Heavy rains over several days affected more than 5,000 km of roads across nine provinces, according to the United Nations. Key infrastructure, including the road connecting the capital, Maputo, to other parts of the country, has become impassable in some areas, disrupting travel and supply chains in a nation where road transport is vital for domestic trade.
While emergency work has partially restored traffic on strategic routes, local media reports that several regions remain difficult to access due to damaged infrastructure.
The high restoration costs underscore a broader challenge for Mozambique. Frequently impacted by climate shocks, the country allocates a significant share of its resources to rebuilding damaged infrastructure, limiting investment in network expansion. This hampers efforts to improve access to remote areas, strengthen economic integration, and enhance transport corridors.
Situated on Africa’s southeast coast along the Indian Ocean, Mozambique lies in one of the world’s most active cyclone basins, making it highly exposed to climate risks. Officials say these challenges highlight the urgent need for resilient transport infrastructure adapted to climate change.
