IN a bold testament to President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s vision, the MV Mwanza Hapa Kazi Tu is emerging as a game-changer in East Africa’s maritime sector.
Since assuming office in 2021, Samia has guided Tanzania through a remarkable period of growth and investment, with this cutting-edge vessel standing as a symbol of her leadership.
With construction nearing completion at 96 percent, this locally built ship, the largest in East Africa’s history, is poised to revolutionize transportation across Lake Victoria and beyond.
In a nutshell, the MV Mwanza Hapa Kazi Tu is a true marvel of engineering. Stretching 92.6 meters in length, 20 meters in height, and 17 meters in width, it is set to be a cornerstone of Tanzania’s ambitions on the water.
The ship’s massive size will allow it to carry 1,200 passengers and 400 tons of cargo, including 20 vehicles. This will make it a vital link for trade and travel across the region.
Set to operate between Mwanza and key ports like Bukoba, Musoma and Kemondo, it will also offer international routes to Kenya and Uganda, fostering stronger ties within East Africa.
The ship is a product of vision and perseverance, with its construction initiated under the late President Dr John Magufuli in 2019. When Dr Magufuli passed away in March 2021, only 40 percent of the project was complete.
However, under President Samia’s stewardship, the project has surged forward, with the finishing touches now in place.
The MV Mwanza Hapa Kazi Tu is not just about building a ship; it is about transforming the region’s infrastructure and connectivity.
“This ship is more than a vessel; it’s an investment in East Africa’s future,” said Tanzania Shipping Company Limited (TASHICO) Chief Executive Officer, Eric Hamissi.
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The ship will play a crucial role in boosting trade by providing a reliable, affordable, and swift mode of transport for goods, from agricultural products to industrial goods.
But it’s not just for the economy – the ship also promises to enhance passenger experiences, with comfortable seating, air-conditioning, and facilities like bank services and a medical dispensary that even includes specialised wards for expectant mothers.
Local experts have been heavily involved in the construction, with modern technologies applied in water, electricity engineering, and even pipeline installation.
This emphasis on local expertise ensures that Tanzania will be able to build its future maritime workforce without reliance on foreign support.
“At least 2,000 Tanzanians have gained valuable experience, and we now have a solid database of local experts in shipbuilding,” Mr Hamissi shared.
Economist at Saint Augustine University in Tanzania Dr Isaac Safari sees the MV Mwanza Hapa Kazi Tu as a catalyst for economic growth in the Lake Zone, especially for regions like Mwanza, Geita and Kagera.
He urges citizens to seize the economic opportunities the ship presents, especially in agriculture, fisheries, and tourism.
With its expected impact on employment, the ship is set to create hundreds of jobs for graduates, from captains and sailors to engineers and attendants.
Dr Safari also highlights the ship’s potential to work hand-in-hand with the electrified Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).
By providing a seamless transport option for passengers and cargo moving between Dar es Salaam, Bukoba, and Uganda, the MV Mwanza will save both time and money – allowing goods and travellers to bypass lengthy truck or bus journeys.
“This will not only benefit Mwanza but will lead to the expansion of all towns the ship serves,” he added. One of the ship’s most exciting features is its capacity to drive local development.
As the ship will serve as a vital transport link, there will be increased demand for accommodations, hotels, and other services for travellers and businesspeople.
The ship’s operations will also help to promote the fishing industry and increase the availability of fresh produce across the region.
This, in turn, will create new avenues for investment in sectors like hospitality, retail, and transportation. The government is already preparing the local economy for these changes.
Local leaders are being urged to set up facilities that can cater to the influx of visitors, particularly in Mwanza. This ship will, without a doubt, be a major source of revenue for Tanzania.
While the ship’s technological and economic impact is evident, it’s also a symbol of President Samia’s transformative leadership. When she took office, the MV Mwanza Hapa Kazi Tu was still a distant vision, with much work left to be done.
But through her commitment to completing ambitious projects, Samia has shown the world that her leadership will focus on tangible results for her people.
The fact that this ambitious project is nearing completion is a testament to the government’s ability to complete massive infrastructure projects even in times of uncertainty.
As Tanzania approaches the 50th anniversary of its independence, projects like the MV Mwanza Hapa Kazi Tu are helping solidify the nation’s position as a regional leader in East Africa.
When the MV Mwanza Hapa Kazi Tu finally sets sail, it will not just be a ship – it will be the embodiment of President Samia’s four-year reign.
From the moment she took office, Samia has focused on ensuring that Tanzania’s growth is inclusive, sustainable, and impactful.
The completion of this flagship project is just one example of the strides made in the areas of infrastructure, job creation, and regional integration. With the ship expected to operate for at least 50 years, its impact will be felt for generations to come.
And as it sails across Lake Victoria, it will remind Tanzanians of the importance of investing in their future, ensuring the country continues to thrive in the decades ahead.
In conclusion, the MV Mwanza Hapa Kazi Tu is more than just a ship; it’s a symbol of Tanzania’s future under President Samia’s leadership.
Through bold investments in infrastructure, economic development, and job creation, Samia is helping to steer Tanzania toward a prosperous future, all while strengthening ties within East Africa and beyond.
