Tanzania’s government is investing 70 billion /- to construct a new port in Mbamba Bay, which will transform water transport on Lake Nyasa. The project, which is set to commence next month, will be completed within 36 months. The port will have an annual cargo handling capacity of 320,000 tonnes, which is a significant increase from the current 35,000 tonnes. Upon completion, Mbamba Bay will become the largest port on Lake Nyasa.
Government’s commitment to Mtwara Development Corridor
The construction of Mbamba Bay Port is part of the Tanzanian government’s commitment to the Mtwara Development Corridor. The Mtwara Development Project is a significant infrastructure development plan that includes southern Tanzania, northern Mozambique, eastern Malawi, and eastern Zambia. The objective is to provide road, rail, and waterway access to the Port of Mtwara from the surrounding region. The road and rail link between the port of Mtwara and Mbamba Bay on Lake Nyasa will link Malawi to the corridor, and further road links into Mozambique will facilitate access to northern Mozambique. The main aim of the Mbamba Bay Port project is to unlock the Mtwara Development Corridor with the target of serving cargo destined for Malawi and Zambia from Mtwara Port through Lake Nyasa. This will help decongest the Dar es Salaam Port.
Increased capacity for Lake Nyasa ports
Once all port projects are completed, the capacity of Lake Nyasa ports will increase significantly from the current 76,200 tonnes of cargo to 552,300 tonnes. Additionally, the completion of all projects will increase the passenger handling capacity from 126,000 passengers to 656,000 passengers. The Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) Manager for Lake Nyasa ports, Mr Manga Gassaya, expressed his gratitude to President Samia Suluhu Hassan for financing the construction of the new port. He also thanked the president for releasing funds for various port projects on time, ensuring Tanzania’s ports offer world-class services.
The new port will increase cargo handling capacity and create new opportunities for businesses in the region. Improving infrastructure and expanding port facilities will contribute to the economic growth and development of the country.
