Construction of the Mbamba Bay Port in Tanzania's Nyasa District has reached 78% completion, with the project valued at over Sh75 billion. The port is expected to increase cargo-handling capacity, strengthen trade, and reduce transport costs between Tanzania and neighboring countries. The project, implemented by the Tanzania Ports Authority, is scheduled for completion on February 26, 2027.
The Mbamba Bay Port project has already created employment and technical skills training opportunities for local residents. Cosmas John, a worker from Tukuyu in Mbeya Region, said his job had enabled him to support his family while learning metal welding and operating machinery. He hopes to establish a welding workshop after construction is completed. Gabriel Ndomba, a resident of Nyasa, acquired carpentry skills through his work on the project and plans to use them to become self-employed.
Small businesses operating near the construction site have also reported increased business. Yosepha Mbunda, a food vendor, said sales had improved since construction began and hoped business would grow further when the port became operational. Janeth Mapunda, who sells fried fish, said trading conditions had improved and urged the government to ensure the project was completed on schedule.
The port will have a 115-metre-long and 20-metre-wide quay designed to accommodate two vessels, each with a capacity of 5,000 tonnes, at the same time. Other facilities will include a 20,000-square-metre cargo yard with capacity for 4,000 containers, warehouses covering 2,000 square metres, a concrete access road, an administration building, and a passenger terminal capable of handling 400 people at a time.
The port is expected to support the movement of minerals, agricultural produce, fish, and manufactured goods across the Lake Nyasa region. TPA project supervising engineer John Paul said the site was selected following a feasibility study conducted in 2023 to assess its potential to improve port services. The port will strengthen the Mtwara Corridor by linking Mtwara Port through Songea to Mbamba Bay, facilitating cargo movement to neighbouring countries.
The investment is expected to improve trade with Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia while providing an alternative route for transporting goods. About 70% of the professionals involved in the project are Tanzanians, giving local workers opportunities to gain experience in major port infrastructure construction. The skills acquired could improve their prospects of securing employment on future projects.
The proposed 1,000-kilometer Southern Railway corridor connecting the Indian Ocean port of Mtwara to Mbamba Bay on Lake Nyasa via Songea with spurs/branches serving the Mchuchuma coalfield and Liganga iron ore deposits will link maritime trade at Mtwara Port with lake transport on Lake Nyasa, opening up trade corridors toward Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia.
Key points
- Construction of Mbamba Bay Port in Tanzania reaches 78% completion.
- Port expected to boost regional trade with Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia.
- Project creates employment and technical skills training opportunities for local residents.
