MANGAPWANI INTEGRATED PORT SET TO EXPAND ZANZIBAR'S REGIONAL TRADE CAPACITY
The Government of Tanzania has called for early operational preparations at Zanzibar's Mangapwani Integrated Port, where construction has reached approximately 20 percent. Scheduled for completion in September 2028, the strategic maritime infrastructure project is expected to strengthen customs operations, expand cargo-handling capacity and enhance Zanzibar's role in regional and international trade.
ZANZIBAR, Tanzania — Minister for Finance, Hon. Ambassador Khamis Mussa Omar (MP), has directed the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), in collaboration with the Zanzibar Ports Corporation (ZPC), to begin early preparations for the equipment, operational systems and personnel required at the Mangapwani Integrated Port to ensure the facility becomes fully operational and delivers efficient services immediately upon completion.
Ambassador Omar issued the directive during an inspection visit to the Mangapwani Integrated Port construction project in Zanzibar, aimed at assessing progress on the strategic infrastructure development and evaluating the preparedness of institutions responsible for providing essential port services, including the Tanzania Revenue Authority.
The Minister emphasised that Mangapwani Port represents a strategic investment in Tanzania's maritime infrastructure, particularly given its anticipated capacity to accommodate large vessels upon completion in 2028.
He noted that the port is expected to become an important centre for customs operations and contribute significantly to government revenue through customs duties and other port-related activities.
"Alongside the construction of port infrastructure, it is essential for all institutions responsible for service delivery to coordinate their operational requirements to avoid a situation where the port is completed while critical equipment and operational systems remain unavailable," Ambassador Omar stated.
He further underscored the importance of aligning implementation schedules between the Zanzibar Ports Corporation and TRA to ensure the timely provision of services and the efficient commencement of port operations.
Ambassador Omar expressed satisfaction with the project's progress report, which indicated that construction had reached approximately 20 percent, consistent with the expected implementation schedule, while the contractor continued work at the project site.
MANGAPWANI PORT EXPECTED TO STRENGTHEN ZANZIBAR'S MARITIME TRADE
For his part, Zanzibar Ports Corporation Director, Mr. Akif Ali Khamis, described the Mangapwani Integrated Port as one of the strategic infrastructure projects expected to stimulate economic growth in Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania by strengthening international trade and cargo transportation.
He emphasised that continued cooperation between the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania and the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar would be instrumental in positioning the port as a regional trade and logistics hub.
Mr. Khamis explained that the Finance Minister's inspection visit provided an important opportunity for relevant institutions to review construction progress, identify potential implementation challenges and develop coordinated strategies to ensure the timely availability of the infrastructure, equipment and services required for port operations.
Among the essential operational requirements identified were cargo storage facilities, modern cargo inspection equipment, including scanners, and customs management systems and equipment for TRA.
He noted that these facilities would be critical to facilitating efficient customs clearance, cargo handling and transshipment operations while minimising unnecessary delays.
PORT TO HANDLE UP TO 300,000 CONTAINERS ANNUALLY IN FIRST PHASE
According to Mr. Khamis, the Mangapwani Integrated Port is scheduled for completion in September 2028, after which it will be handed over to the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar.
"The Mangapwani Port is expected to be completed in September 2028 and handed over to the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar. In its first phase, the port will have the capacity to handle approximately 250,000 to 300,000 containers annually, alongside 500,000 to one million tonnes of conventional non-containerised cargo," Mr. Khamis stated.
He added that the port has been designed to accommodate future expansion, including additional cargo storage facilities and supporting infrastructure, enabling it to increase its handling capacity in response to growing trade volumes.
STRATEGIC INVESTMENT TO ENHANCE TRADE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Mr. Khamis further explained that the development of Mangapwani Integrated Port is expected to strengthen Zanzibar's capacity to participate in international maritime trade, improve cargo transportation efficiency and create new investment opportunities.
He noted that the project's completion, supported by early institutional and operational preparations, would establish a strong foundation for efficient port management and service delivery.
The Mangapwani Integrated Port development forms part of broader efforts to modernise maritime infrastructure, strengthen trade facilitation and enhance Zanzibar's competitiveness as a regional logistics and commercial centre.
Once operational, the port is expected to contribute to increased government revenue, expanded trade opportunities and sustainable economic growth in Zanzibar and Tanzania as a whole.