Mozambique maps US$420m aviation plan to support extractive industry growth
Mozambique's Civil Aviation Institute (IACM) has outlined plans to strengthen air transport and logistics capacity in support of the country's growing extractive industry, with the initiative presented at the African Conference and Exhibition on Aviation and Mining (CAVAME-d) in Nacala this week. IACM chairperson Emanuel Chaves presented the Civil Aviation System Master Plan 2026 - 2045, approved by the Council of Ministers in January, which covers nine areas of intervention and 141 activities including airport infrastructure modernisation, improved air connectivity, enhanced operational safety and airspace management optimisation.
The plan's initial investment estimate of US$710 million has been revised down to US$420 million to improve feasibility, with the IACM currently working with the African Development Bank to develop a funding compact. Pemba Airport in Cabo Delgado and Vilankulo Airport in Inhambane Province are among the facilities earmarked for capacity upgrades - both of which serve key tourism regions alongside their extractive industry functions. A proposal has also been submitted to government to designate the civil aviation sector as a free economic zone exempt from taxes, though this remains subject to approval by the relevant authorities.
Source: Club of Mozambique
