Sofala, currently known as Nova Sofala, is a coastal location situated on the Sofala Bank within the Sofala Province of Mozambique. Historically, it served as a prominent Swahili city-state and functioned as an important port town.
The first recorded use of the port was by merchants from Mogadishu. The name Sofala may originate from the Somali language, potentially translating to "go and cultivate" or "go and dig," which reflects the city's historical role as a significant hub for gold.