Tanzania’s Mtwara Port is taking on a bigger role in regional trade as rising cargo volumes and new infrastructure give businesses another route into East and Southern Africa.

The port, once heavily dependent on seasonal agricultural exports, is now handling fuel, cement, coal, pigeon peas, cashews, heavy vehicles and equipment for major projects. Acting Port Manager Hekima Ngezi said Mtwara handled 23 vessels and 6,390 vehicles from February through August.

The change comes as Tanzania invests in the port and the wider Southern Corridor, linking Mtwara with Lindi and Ruvuma and providing a route toward Malawi and other neighboring markets. The government says the investment is intended to cut transport costs and improve trade links.

For transport companies and traders, the growing activity at Mtwara offers an alternative to Dar es Salaam and other regional ports. It also gives southern Tanzania a larger role in cross-border trade.

More Cargo moves through Mtwara

Mtwara’s berth capacity has expanded, with a 300-meter berth offering a water depth of 13 meters for larger vessels. A new 300-meter berth at Kisiwa Mpangawe and Kisiwa Mgao is also under construction, with a planned depth of 15 meters.

The project was 44% complete and is expected to be completed next year, Ngezi said. The new facility is expected to handle bulk cargo such as cement and coal. Tanzania Ports Authority data shows the port is being developed to support growing cargo flows and the Southern Corridor.

Southern corridor gains importance

The expansion could strengthen Mtwara’s links with Malawi, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Rwanda, Burundi and Zimbabwe. More vehicles and cargo are already moving through the port to markets outside Tanzania.

The wider investment is also creating work for drivers, shipping agents, food vendors and other local businesses. Residents interviewed by The Citizen said higher port activity had increased demand for transport, accommodation and other services.

Tanzania Ports Authority drives expansion

The Tanzania Ports Authority manages Mtwara and other major Tanzanian ports and is responsible for developing and operating the country’s port infrastructure. Its expansion program includes berth construction, cargo-handling improvements and projects aimed at supporting regional trade.

As new facilities come into service, Mtwara is likely to become a more important gateway for cargo moving between Tanzania and neighboring countries, giving traders another option as East Africa’s logistics network expands.