Mbamba Bay Port to boost economic diplomacy, trade

Dar/Mbamba Bay. The construction of the Mbamba Bay Port in Tanzania is set to boost the country’s internal logistics and enhance economic diplomacy and trade relations with neighbouring countries, particularly Malawi, Zambia and other Southern African nations.

The project, worth over Sh81 billion, commenced construction in January 2024, with completion expected by January 2026.

After laying a foundation stone at the construction site on Wednesday, President Samia Suluhu Hassan underscored the strategic importance of the port for both Tanzania and its regional peers.

“You have brought great relief with the start of this project... we have been demanding it since my time in parliament. The port will ease transportation and the movement of goods, including to our neighbouring country, Malawi,” she said.

“We expect trade to increase beyond the current levels and to create more opportunities for the residents of the area,” she said.

President Hassan also highlighted the importance of timely completion and the need for proper infrastructure on both sides of the lake to facilitate seamless trade.

“Having a port is not enough; we must ensure reliable transportation on the lake, meaning we need good infrastructure and services for our ships on the other side at Nkhata Bay Port in Malawi,” she said.

This, President Hassan added, aligns with the broader vision of economic diplomacy and free trade within Africa.

“When we talk about economic diplomacy or free trade within Africa, this is what it means: one country starts and you engage with the other country so they too can invest in infrastructure, connect and trade can flourish. This is the work that is now underway,” the President said.

Earlier while briefing the press Lake Nyasa ports manager Manga Gassaya elaborated on the port’s regional impact.

He noted that Mbamba Bay will serve as the headquarters for the eight ports located on Lake Nyasa, which are spread across three regions of Ruvuma, Njombe and Mbeya. The ports include Liuli, Manda, Kiwira, Lupingu, Itungi, Ndumbi and Matema ports.

“In the past three years, from 2021/2022 to 2023/2024, we successfully transported 19,000 tonnes of cargo and 87,000 passengers across these ports. Of that, Mbamba Bay alone handled 9,000 tonnes of cargo and 25,000 passengers,” Mr Gassaya said.

He added that the new port would help serve customers from neighbouring countries such as Malawi and Zambia, offering an alternative route for those currently reliant on Dar es Salaam Port.

The new facility will feature two berths capable of handling two ships, each with a capacity of 5,000 tonnes and a facility that spans 20,000 square metres, able to store 3,000 containers. The port will also include passenger amenities, healthcare services, customs offices and a one-stop centre for the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA), making it a vital hub for trade and transport.

Mr Gassaya added that the development will open up numerous business prospects and employment opportunities for Tanzanians.

“Given this, we saw the importance of investing in this port, which will become the headquarters for all the ports on Lake Nyasa,” he said.

The Mbamba Bay Port project is expected to strengthen ties between Tanzania and its neighbours, fostering greater trade, improving infrastructure and contributing to the overall economic growth of the region.

President Hassan directed the TPA to expedite construction, ensuring timely completion and adherence to quality standards.

She also commended the African Development Bank (AfDB) for its ongoing support in Tanzania’s infrastructure development, including its involvement in the Mbinga-Mbamba Bay road and the Standard Gauge Railway project connecting Kigoma and Burundi.

Detailing the port project, TPA Deputy Director General Mr Juma Kijavara said the port will feature a berth with a depth of 7.5 metres.

It will also include a 20,000-square-metre yard for over 5,000 containers, along with sheds, a three-story office, a workshop and a dispensary to provide healthcare services to workers and local residents.

Works minister Innocent Bashungwa said that completing the road network in the Mtwara Corridor would significantly enhance trade between Tanzania, Zambia and Malawi.

Before going to Nyasa District, President Hassan, who is on a tour of Ruvuma Region, launched a Sh3.55 billion new administration block for Mbinga District Council.

The ceremony took place in Kiamili Village, Kigonsera Ward, as part of her visit to Ruvuma Region.

When she addressed residents at the area, President Hassan emphasised the importance of the new building in centralising services for citizens, calling for a commitment to improved governance.