The Beira Corridor Forum 2026, convened by Companhia do Pipeline Moçambique-Zimbabwe (CPMZ), took place in Livingstone, Zambia, on October 27. The forum brought together government representatives, policymakers, regulators, investors, financial institutions, infrastructure operators, and industry leaders to examine the Beira Corridor's strategic role in supplying fuel to Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Botswana, and the Katanga region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Discussions focused on strengthening the corridor's competitiveness, diversifying regional fuel supply routes, and ensuring that infrastructure development translates into tangible economic benefits for the markets it serves.
A central focus of the forum was CPMZ's ongoing expansion of the Beira–Feruka pipeline, which will increase annual transportation capacity from three million to five million cubic meters by December 2027. The investment includes two additional pumping stations and represents a significant step towards accommodating growing fuel demand across Southern Africa. This expansion is expected to play a crucial role in meeting the region's increasing fuel needs.
Patrick Dias da Cunha, Board Member and Managing Director of CPMZ, highlighted the importance of long-term investment and the company's partnerships with the governments of Mozambique and Zimbabwe in advancing regional energy integration. He emphasized that CPMZ's strong partnerships with these governments have been fundamental to its success and shared vision of developing the Beira Corridor into an integrated regional energy supply route.
Daniel Evans, Vice-President at S&P Global Energy, presented a market outlook titled Security of Supply in a Volatile Environment: Supporting the Growth of Fuel Demand in Southern Africa. According to S&P Global Energy's projections, fuel demand within the Beira Supply Zone is expected to increase by approximately 35%, equivalent to an additional four million cubic meters, over the next decade, with further growth anticipated beyond this period.
Professor Ephraim Kabunda Munshifwa, Permanent Secretary – Energy at Zambia's Ministry of Energy, emphasized the importance of dependable fuel supplies in supporting Zambia's mining, agriculture, manufacturing, and transport sectors. He welcomed CPMZ's expansion program and called for greater cooperation between Zambia, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, supported by transparent regulation, efficient logistics, and commercially sustainable investment.
Osam Iyahen of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) delivered the keynote address, emphasizing that the corridor's long-term success should be measured not only by increased fuel transportation capacity but also by the economic opportunities it creates. He called for stronger cross-border coordination, integrated infrastructure planning, engagement with major industrial customers, and investment in complementary logistics and industrial facilities.
The forum concluded with a shared emphasis on translating dialogue into practical collaboration, strengthening regional supply chains, and advancing the Beira Corridor as a competitive fuel supply option for Southern Africa. Eng. Chinguane Mabote, Secretary of State at Mozambique's Ministry of Transport and Logistics, called for the forum's discussions to be turned into concrete commitments, stressing that pipeline expansion must be matched by improvements in port, storage, and distribution capacity, supported by public-private partnerships.
Key points
- The Beira Corridor Forum 2026 called for stronger regional cooperation to strengthen fuel security and support economic growth across Southern Africa.
- CPMZ's expansion of the Beira–Feruka pipeline will increase annual transportation capacity to five million cubic meters by December 2027.
- Fuel demand within the Beira Supply Zone is expected to increase by approximately 35% over the next decade.
