China's Anhui Foreign Economic Construction Company has built[3] a new cargo terminal, in what was the starting point of the first phase of a Chinese financed expansion project, with an initial estimated cost of US$75 million.

Originally, this modernization project had in mind to benefit from the 2010 FIFA World Cup held in neighbouring South Africa, but it could not be finished in time.

The project experienced a serious cost overrun, with the builder requesting an additional US$40 to US$50 million to complete the work.

The whole plan is for Maputo International Airport to double its capacity from 450,000 to 900,000 per year and help expand tourism in the city and country.

The terminal will also have 14 check-in counters, electronic panels displaying flights, a presidential VIP lounge, escalators and an electric central cooling system.