Tanzania’s Mtwara Port Expansion: A Strategic Gateway to Southern Africa’s Trade Future BODY: CAIRO, Egypt – Tanzania’s Mtwara Port expansion is poised to become a critical trade gateway for southern Africa, with neighboring countries like Malawi, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) set to benefit significantly.
The project, which includes the construction of a 300-meter, 15-meter-deep berth, is expected to be completed by 2027, marking a strategic shift in the region’s trade dynamics.
The expansion, valued at over 590 billion Tanzanian shillings, is part of a broader government strategy to enhance Tanzania’s position as a regional trade hub. Mtwara’s cargo volumes have experienced a dramatic surge, jumping from 592,000 tonnes in 2021/22 to 2. 58 million tonnes in 2024/25, reflecting its growing importance.
The Mtwara Port expansion is integral to the Southern Corridor’s development, a vital trade route connecting countries in southern and central Africa to the Indian Ocean. This strategic investment is viewed by the Tanzanian government as crucial for promoting economic growth in the nation’s southern regions and beyond.
The Port of Dar es Salaam remains the primary gateway for the region’s trade, handling approximately 95% of Tanzania’s international maritime trade.
The Mtwara Port expansion aims to reduce this reliance and strengthen the Southern Corridor, which is essential for the region’s economic development.
The Tanzanian government’s commitment to the Mtwara Port upgrade is part of a wider push to increase the country’s port capacity, with Dar es Salaam, Tanga, and Mtwara collectively handling 35. 59 million tonnes of imports and exports in 2025. Dar es Salaam’s cargo traffic saw a rise from 23.
69 million tonnes in 2024 to 27. 7 million tonnes in 2024/25. While the Mtwara Port expansion holds significant promise, it is not without its challenges.
Environmental impact and the potential displacement of local communities are concerns that the Tanzanian government must address.
However, the project is seen as essential for enhancing the country’s economic prospects and those of its neighbors.
As the Mtwara Port expansion progresses, its success could herald a transformative change in the region’s trade routes and economic opportunities, marking a significant milestone in Tanzania’s and the Southern Corridor’s development.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africa.businessinsider
Source: Ayodeji Adegboyega
