‘Inland shipping transforms regional connectivity’

MWANZA: THE government has unveiled major strides in the transport sector, particularly in maritime services, as part of efforts to boost national economic growth and enhance regional connectivity.

Speaking yesterday in Mwanza, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports and Chief Government Spokesperson, Mr Gerson Msigwa said Tanzania is undergoing a transformative phase driven by strategic investments under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

The briefing was held aboard the newly constructed New MV Mwanza, a modern passenger and cargo vessel built by the government. Mr Msigwa described the ship as the largest of its kind on Africa’s inland waters, comparable in size to a four-storey building.

“Today we meet aboard a vessel that symbolises Tanzania’s ambition and capacity. This is more than a ship. It represents a major step in improving transport and boosting our economy,” he said, highlighting the government’s commitment to modernising infrastructure.

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Mwanza Regional Commissioner Said Mtanda was also commended for his leadership in one of the country’s most strategic and economically significant regions.

Tanzania’s second most populous region after Dar es Salaam, Mwanza contributes 7.2 per cent to the national GDP and is a key hub for trade, industry and transport.

Focusing on regional development, Mr Msigwa cited major projects that have already transformed the area, including the JP Magufuli Bridge, which reduced ferry crossing times from up to two hours to mere minutes and the ongoing Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) linking Mwanza to other parts of the country.

He said that the 2025/2026 budget for Mwanza (629.4bn/-) has already disbursed 64 per cent toward salaries and development projects.

Key initiatives include the expansion of Mwanza North Port, construction of Ukerewe Regional Referral Hospital, development of Malya Sports Academy and investment in fish farming through cage culture in Lake Victoria.

Highlighting maritime transport, Mr Msigwa revealed that more than 1tri/- has been invested in new vessels, port infrastructure and rehabilitation of existing ships. He credited the government for completing key projects, including the New MV Mwanza, which accommodates 1,200 passengers, 400 tonnes of cargo and vehicles.

More than 200 Tanzanians participated in its construction, gaining skills that strengthen local shipbuilding capacity.

“Investors should leverage this improved infrastructure in fisheries, mining, agriculture and tourism,” he urged.

Ongoing projects include the rehabilitation of MV Umoja, work on MT Ukerewe and plans for a new 3,000-tonne cargo vessel to enhance Lake Victoria transport.

Beyond Lake Victoria, maritime investments extend to MV Liemba on Lake Tanganyika, new cargo vessels at Karema Port in Katavi and upgrades to ports at Kilwa Masoko, Kisiwa Mgao and Lake Nyasa.

These efforts aim to strengthen regional trade and integrate port operations with the SGR, reducing transport costs and improving efficiency.

Mr Msigwa also highlighted that Gold Voyage Logistics Limited, a subsidiary of China’s Zijin Mining Group, is building four cargo vessels at Karema Port to serve Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Zambia and Burundi.

“Each vessel will employ at least 15 crew members, with additional jobs in cargo handling, port services and related businesses, improving the movement of agricultural produce and enhancing regional commerce,” he said.

The MV Liemba rehabilitation, led by Brodosplit JSC and Dar es Salaam Merchant Group, is 55 per cent complete.

Upgrades include passenger cabins, steel structures, electrical systems and fresh water and wastewater systems, which will improve passenger and cargo transport efficiency along Lake Tanganyika.