Mtwara Port begins handling petroleum products destined for Malawi, Zambia

MTWARA: THE Mtwara Port has officially started receiving oil tankers carrying petroleum products destined for neighboring countries, including Zambia, Malawi, and Burundi. This marks a significant step in boosting trade and improving logistics services in the southern corridor of Tanzania.

Speaking today, October 8, 2025, during the 2025 Customer Service Week celebrations, the Port Manager, Mr. Ferdinand Nyathi, said the development highlights the port’s substantial progress in expanding its services and attracting new clients.

“Mtwara Port continues to perform well commercially, and we have now started handling transit oil cargo destined for Zambia, Malawi, and Burundi. This is a major milestone in enhancing cargo transportation through our port,” said Nyathi.

According to the manager, the arrival of oil tankers at Mtwara Port began in September this year, and the activity is ongoing into the current month of October. Previously, the port did not handle oil shipments destined for neighboring countries.

ALSO READ: Russia eyes Mtwara Port for cashew imports, trade boost

“In the past, Mtwara Port had never received oil tankers for transit to neighboring countries. This development signals a new era and significant growth opportunities for our port,” he added, expressing gratitude to customers and stakeholders for their continued trust in using Mtwara Port, which has helped it grow and expand further.

Nyathi also reported a remarkable increase in cargo handling at the port. For the fiscal year 2024/25, the port is expected to handle 2.5 million tonnes of cargo—an impressive leap from just 500,000 tonnes handled annually four years ago.

This progress underscores Mtwara Port’s growing role in regional trade and its potential to become a key logistics hub for Tanzania and its land-linked neighbors.