Mtwara Port gives cashew exporters new incentives

Mtwara. Exporters of cashew nuts will now not be required to pay any fee associated with the storing of containers at the Mtwara Port, thanks to a new incentive package released by the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA).

Speaking to journalists who visited the area recently, Mtwara Port Manager Ferdinand Nyathi said the port has granted free storage for empty and full containers throughout the season.

“Previously, storage was free for a limited period, and charges would apply if containers overstayed. However, for this season, we have made storage completely free for the entire cashew marketing period,” he said.

Working under last year’s directives by President Samia Suluhu Hassan that the port should serve as the primary export route for cashew nuts from the southern regions of the country, Mr Nyathi said the port is well-equipped to handle the full cashew haul this season.

“Last season, following President Samia’s directive, we successfully transported 253,000 metric tonnes of cashew nuts and handled a total of 28 ships. This year, we are in an even better position to manage the cashew crop…,” Mr Nyathi told the reporters.

The port’s readiness has been bolstered by the arrival of new equipment, including two mobile cranes, empty container handlers, reach stackers and modern tag boats. This has significantly improved container handling capabilities at the facility.

So far, about 3,700 containers are at Mtwara Port, ready to handle cashew nut exports and more are expected to be offloaded this week, Mr Nyathi said.

“In partnership with the private sector, which owns Inland Container Depots (ICDs), the port has delivered over 800 containers at ICDs more,” he said.

The improvements at the port come as good news for cashew farmers, who have seen a notable increase in prices during recent auctions. For example, during the first auction on October 11, 2024, organized by the Tandahimba and Newala Cooperative Union (Tanecu), 3,857 tonnes of raw cashew nuts were sold at prices ranging from Sh4,035 to Sh4,120 per kilo. The second auction, held on October 12 by the Lindi Mwamba Cooperative Union (LMCU), saw 6,435 tonnes traded at prices between Sh3,400 and Sh3,865 per kilo.

Mr Nyathi also assured that the handling of cashew nuts would not disrupt other cargo operations at the port, including goods such as coal and cement. “We have three more ships expected to dock this week, bringing in more containers,” he said.

So far, some Sh157.8 billion has been invested in constructing a new 300-metre-long berth at Mtwara Port. This berth, with a water depth of 13 metres, is capable of accommodating ships up to 230 metres long and handling bulk carriers.