Groundbreaking Ceremony Marks Start of Major Expansion
Companhia do Pipeline Moçambique-Zimbabwe (CPMZ) will hold a groundbreaking ceremony on 2 September 2026 in Nhamatanda, Sofala Province, to mark the start of construction of two new pumping stations — one in Nhamatanda and another in Messica, Manica Province. The ceremony is expected to be attended by the Heads of State of Mozambique and Zimbabwe, according to reports from AfricaBrief, highlighting the project's regional significance.
Capacity Increase to Address Regional Fuel Demand
The expansion will increase the annual transport capacity of the Beira-Feruka pipeline from 3 million to 5 million cubic meters by the end of 2027, a 67% increase. Both AfricaBrief and African Mining Market report that this boost is intended to help meet growing demand for diesel, petrol, and jet fuel across Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and other landlocked Southern African Development Community markets, including Malawi, Zambia, Botswana, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Synchronized Upgrades and Continuous Operations
The expansion is being implemented alongside an upgrade of the Petrozim Line between Feruka and Harare, creating a higher-capacity fuel corridor linking the Port of Beira with Southern Africa's interior. According to CPMZ, construction and commissioning of the new pumping stations will be carried out without interrupting pipeline operations or fuel supplies to regional markets.
Strategic Corridor and Long-Term Vision
The 294-kilometer Beira-Feruka pipeline is a critical part of the Beira Corridor, connecting the Port of Beira with Zimbabwe and the wider Southern African hinterland. CPMZ and the Government of Zimbabwe share a long-term vision of establishing the Beira-Harare axis as one of Southern Africa's leading energy supply routes, with Harare positioned as an important distribution hub.
Longer-term planning includes studies into replacing the existing pipeline with a larger-diameter line capable of meeting projected regional fuel demand through 2050. A possible extension of the Harare-Lusaka corridor into Zambia's Copperbelt is also under consideration, as reported by both outlets.
Previous Capacity Expansion and Future Outlook
This is not the first capacity increase for the pipeline. CPMZ previously raised its annual capacity from 2 million to 3 million cubic meters in 2024. The current expansion, combined with the Petrozim Line upgrade, is expected to strengthen fuel security and support economic activity and trade across the SADC region.