Southern Africa gateway takes shape
RUVUMA: TANZANIA’S ambition to strengthen its position as a gateway to Southern Africa is gaining momentum, with construction of the modern Mbamba Bay Port in Nyasa District, Ruvuma Region, reaching 78 per cent.
The port, costing more than 75bn/-, is expected to transform maritime transport across Lake Nyasa, increase trade and strengthen commercial links between Tanzania and neighbouring Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia.
Scheduled for completion on February 26, 2027, the project is already creating jobs, imparting technical skills and stimulating small businesses in surrounding communities.
Once operational, the port is expected to facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, minerals, fish and manufactured goods, while improving regional connectivity and reducing transport costs.
Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) Project Supervising Engineer John Paul said the project was designed to establish Mbamba Bay as a key commercial link within the Lake Nyasa basin.
“Implementation has reached 78 per cent, and the project is expected to be completed on February 26, 2027,” he said.
The port will have a 115-metre-long and 20-metre-wide quay capable of accommodating two vessels, each with a capacity of 5,000 tonnes, simultaneously.
It will also feature a 20,000-square-metre cargo yard with capacity for 4,000 containers, warehouses covering 2,000 square metres, an administrative building and a passenger terminal accommodating 400 people.
Other facilities include a concrete access road linking the port to the main highway. Mr Paul said the quay was designed to enable vessels to berth throughout the year despite fluctuations in Lake Nyasa’s water levels.
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He said the investment would also strengthen the Mtwara Corridor by improving connectivity between Mtwara Port, Songea and Mbamba Bay, facilitating trade with neighbouring countries.
He attributed the progress to government support and timely funding, which had enabled construction to proceed.
During a visit to the site on Tuesday, workers and traders described how the project had begun improving their livelihoods while providing skills they could use beyond the construction phase.
Cosmas John, a native of Tukuyu in Mbeya Region, said employment at the project had enabled him to support his family while learning metal welding and operating machinery.
“The project has opened employment opportunities for many young people who previously had no jobs. Through these jobs, they earn salaries that help them support their families and establish small businesses,” he said.
Mr John said he had joined the project with limited technical knowledge but hoped to establish a welding workshop after construction, using the skills acquired.
Another beneficiary, Gabriel Ndomba, a Nyasa resident, said he had learnt carpentry through the project and intended to use the skills to establish his own business.
“Without this project, I would still be struggling to find work,” he said.
Small businesses around the construction site are also benefiting. Yosepha Mbunda, a food vendor, said her business had improved since construction began, with expectations of further growth once the port became operational.
Janeth Mapunda, who sells fried fish, also reported improved business and urged the government to ensure timely completion so traders could benefit from emerging opportunities.
Resident Engineer Agathon Mwenda, of Anova Company, said construction was progressing well, with the team committed to meeting the contractual deadline.
