Digital transformation positions Maputo as Southern Africa’s new logistics gateway
When it comes to improving infrastructure and integrating new technologies, African countries are making bold strides. In Mozambique, the Maputo Port Development Company (MPDC) has awarded its Port Community System (PCS) project to Kale Logistics Solutions (Kalé), a move designed to accelerate the country’s ambition of becoming a leading trade and logistics hub in Southern Africa.
The PCS is part of the Government of Mozambique’s broader digital transformation agenda. It will serve as a unified digital platform connecting key stakeholders across the maritime and logistics ecosystem, enabling secure information exchange, enhanced visibility, process automation, and real-time collaboration. The initiative aims to streamline trade processes, improve operational efficiency, and create a more connected and transparent port community.
According to the Port of Maputo, the platform will support a wide range of operations, including vessel management, imports, exports, and transshipment to cabotage, truck and rail movements, customs interactions, warehouse operations, and performance monitoring. It will integrate seamlessly with existing systems such as the Customs Single Window, Terminal Operating Systems, Vessel Traffic Management Systems, and banking platforms, creating a fully digital environment for port stakeholders.
Speaking at the launch, Mozambique’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, Hon. João Matlombe, emphasized the strategic importance of the initiative: “Digital transformation is no longer an option; it is a prerequisite for competitiveness. The Port Community System represents a strategic step towards a more integrated, efficient and transparent logistics ecosystem, fully aligned with the Government’s vision for the modernisation of transport and trade facilitation. As Mozambique’s first PCS, this initiative positions the Port of Maputo as a pioneer and lays the foundation for the digital evolution of our national logistics network.”
Osório Lucas, CEO of MPDC, echoed this sentiment, noting that the PCS aligns with the company’s vision of creating a smarter, more connected port ecosystem: “By enabling real-time collaboration and information sharing among stakeholders, we are strengthening the Port of Maputo’s role as a strategic gateway for regional and international trade. We are proud and grateful to the Government of Mozambique for supporting us in building a platform that will help prepare Mozambique for the challenges of the next generation of trade and logistics.”
For Kale Logistics Solutions, the award represents both a milestone and an opportunity. Vineet Malhotra, Director and Co-Founder of Kalé, remarked: “This award marks an important milestone for Kalé and reinforces our commitment to supporting digital trade transformation across Africa. We are honoured to be selected by MPDC for this strategic PCS initiative. With our Air Cargo Community System already implemented by MAHS and our growing presence across Africa, the addition of the Maputo PCS further strengthens our role as a provider of integrated digital trade facilitation solutions.”