Around 16 banana producing companies operating along the Umbelúzi Valley, in the districts of Moamba and Namaacha in Maputo province, are struggling to move their produce because of the state of the roads connecting farming areas to the main logistics corridors leading into South Africa, the market that absorbs most of Mozambique’s banana output.
According to the Association of Banana Producing Companies of Mozambique, known as Banana Moz, the situation is pushing up companies’ operating costs, eating into the final price of the product and undermining the sector’s competitiveness in both export and domestic markets. Poor road conditions slow transport, increase travel times and drive up vehicle wear and maintenance costs.
The roads are also damaging the quality of the bananas themselves, a critical concern for a product highly sensitive to handling. The association says the impact is most acute along the worst stretches, where bruising during transit significantly reduces the fruit’s commercial value, particularly in the demanding South African market.
Banana Moz Vice President Arnaldo Ribeiro identified the sections between Boane and Goba, and Boane and Namaacha, as the main problem areas. “From Boane to the production areas, traffic is relatively stable, but after this section the roads are in poor condition and this is compromising our logistics chain,” said Ribeiro. He acknowledged that authorities have carried out repairs, but said they have not held up. Ribeiro added, “The potholes are filled, but they reappear shortly afterwards. This creates a constant cycle of difficulties that affects companies’ efficiency and product quality.”
The stakes are considerable for a sector already generating meaningful export revenue. Last year, these companies generated more than US$40 million in revenue, a base Banana Moz argues is being eroded by infrastructure that has yet to catch up with the sector’s commercial ambitions.
