CDD calls for investigation into Machipanda concession
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Opais
Mozambique’s Centre for Democracy and Human Rights filed a complaint seeking an investigation into possible corruption in the concession to operate the Machipanda border crossing in Manica province. The process had already been suspended by the Administrative Court after irregularities were found in the tender, O País reports.
The Centre for Democracy and Human Rights (CDD) of Mozambique referred the matter on Wednesday to the Central Office for the Fight against Corruption (GCCC), requesting an investigation into possible links between Zhongmei, the company selected for the concession to operate the Machipanda border crossing, and the Minister of Transport and Logistics, João Matlombe. CDD director Adriano Nuvunga told Opais that the organisation believed the case presented risks of corruption and conflicts of interest.
The Administrative Court suspended the concession process after finding irregularities in the tender. The CDD is also asking the investigation to examine professional relationships that may have existed between Zhongmei’s owner and Matlombe, particularly within Maputo municipality, as well as contracts won by the company within a short period.
The CDD also cites the concession to operate Beira’s dry port and adjacent roads as an issue to be examined. It believes that suspending the contract should not bring the examination of the facts to an end and is asking the authorities to determine whether favouritism occurred. The Administrative Court had suspended the Machipanda border contract.
The request comes after a 15-kilometre lorry queue at Machipanda blocked the border on 11 October 2026.
Summary produced with the help of artificial intelligence tools, under AFREEQUE’s editorial responsibility.
