The US$164 million upgrade of the Port of Maputo is officially under way, setting the stage for an expansion that will more than double the port’s container capacity within two years

While this development is a boon for regional trade, it poses a serious threat to South Africa’s ports, which continue to struggle with delays, congestion and chronic equipment failures.

Once a dominant player in Southern African logistics, South Africa now risks ceding its position to neighbouring countries that are modernising their port infrastructure through private investment.