Ports projects position Zanzibar as EAC’s major trade gateway

The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar (RGZ) plans to invest over $400 million (Sh1 trillion) in port infrastructure, a move expected to revolutionise trade and allow the direct arrival of international cargo ships.

Currently, cargo must be offloaded in Mombasa, Kenya, or Dar es Salaam due to Zanzibar’s limited capacity before being transferred via smaller vessels, which has long been causing delays and frustration among traders.

Zanzibar Ports Corporation (ZPC) Director General Akif Ali Khamis last month said the upgrades would position the Isles as a major regional commercial hub capable of handling large international vessels.

“This will be transformative. Fumba Port will manage the bulk of imports into Zanzibar, while Mangapwani will serve cargo bound for neighbouring countries such as Kenya, Mozambique, Comoros, mainland Tanzania, Madagascar and Seychelles,” he said.

Currently, Zanzibar relies on Tanga Port for fuel and gas imports. A local company is building facilities at Mangapwani to handle oil and gas shipments directly; the system is near completion and undergoing initial testing.

A recent site visit by editors highlighted how RGZ is accelerating these projects to realise Zanzibar’s ambitions.

Mangapwani Project

Through this $300 million integrated initiative, Zanzibar aims to reclaim its historic role as a major East African trade hub.

An engineer at the Ministry of Works, Mr Salum Udi Mwinyi, said China Harbour Engineering Company is executing the project.

“Zanzibar was once the region’s ocean trade hub before being overtaken by Mombasa and Dar es Salaam. This project will restore our position,” he told journalists.

“Cargo will arrive here for distribution to Dar es Salaam, Mombasa, and beyond. Most shipments are currently offloaded in Mombasa before being sent to Zanzibar. That will soon end,” he added.

He said the port will be equipped with modern machinery capable of offloading 30 containers per hour.

It will feature berths for vessels of 30,000 tonnes and a Roll-on/Roll-off terminal for vehicles and heavy machinery.

“It will have a 680-metre quay wall serving ships of up to 200,000 tonnes, with a handling capacity of 15,000 to 20,000 containers,” he said.

“Facilities include a container terminal, mixed cargo areas, storage for more than 10,000 containers, and administrative offices,” added Mr Mwinyi.

According to him, the contract was signed on February 1, 2024, with work scheduled to start this year following completion of site clearance and expected to be completed within three years.

Mr Joseph Mabagala, from the Ministry of Works, said the port area will host a strategic fuel reserve for three months, cushioning against price and supply fluctuations.

“Private investors will also develop fuel and gas infrastructure. Bakhresa and Zanzibar Ports Authority are collaborating to enable the docking of large ships carrying millions of litres,” he said.

Housing for displaced families

The Orkun Group, implementing the housing project for families evicted from the Mangapwani port area, said construction is 80 percent complete, according to site manager Serkan Ustabasi.

The $32 million project, spanning 18 months, is implemented in three phases: 247 houses in the first, 40 in the second, nearing completion, and 83 in the third.

“It features three- and two-bedroom units, each with a living room and kitchen. Locals have gained employment during construction,” he said.

CCM Kaskazini B District chairman, Mr Ally Khamis Ally, said some units will house one family, others two, benefiting more than 6,000 people.

Kidanzini Ward leader, Mr Mzee Salmin Mbarouk, praised the government: “Many residents could not have afforded such modern homes with cash compensation alone.”

Resident Mwajuma Zununi Omari said the electricity- and water-equipped homes have improved living standards.

Mkoani Project

The Sh6.9 billion Fumba Port in Pemba is transforming cargo handling and passenger services, according to marine officer, Mr Stad Seif Haji.

Launched on September 30, 2024, the project includes refurbishment of a 420-square-metre container yard, a 130-metre passenger walkway, and berths worth $1 million.

Since September 2025, the port has processed 596 imported containers and 300 exports, including seashells and cloves.

“Imports include soap, cooking oil, and iron bars. The project has reduced costs and delivery times, ending reliance on passenger ships for cargo,” he said.

Senior operations officer, Mr Octavian Kilei, said the project involves vessel discharge, inspections, and container storage under a public-private partnership to improve service delivery.

Residents welcomed the initiative, citing job creation and lower prices.

Mr Abdallah Bakari Amani highlighted youth employment, while Mr Abasi Mohamed Rajabu noted improved clove transport.

Shumba Project

The Sh17.3 billion Shumba Port in Micheweni, North Pemba, is progressing steadily, with completion expected by December.

Resident engineer, Mr Abdallah Zongo, said the project is divided into two phases: a Sh5.7 billion berth and an Sh11.6 billion package including a passenger lounge, fencing, and a mosque.

Launched on December 9, 2024, the port is 40 percent complete and is expected to handle cargo and passengers, strengthening Pemba’s maritime links with Mombasa.

The passenger lounge will accommodate more than 445 people, generating revenue, while a container terminal will expand cargo handling.

Residents said the project will reduce trade costs and enhance security.

Mr Bakar Khamis Juma noted faster arrivals from Tanga and Mombasa, lowering prices, while Mr Ally Abdallah Ally said it will streamline cross-border trade and reinforce security.

Fumba and Wete ports

Being at different stages of execution, the upgrades to these ports will also significantly impact Zanzibar’s economy.

 What experts say?

Repoa Executive Director Dr Donald Mmari said Zanzibar’s reliance on maritime activities, including fisheries, tourism, and transport, makes ports central to economic growth.

“Efficient, high-quality ports are crucial for trade, imports, exports, and tourist arrivals. Investment will uplift Zanzibar’s and Tanzania’s economy,” he told The Citizen.

On the blue economy, Dr Mmari said addressing bottlenecks would unlock significant wealth.

University of Dodoma economist, Dr Lutengano Mwinuka, said modernised ports can accommodate larger vessels, enabling direct exports and imports, lowering operational costs and commodity prices.

“Faster, smoother trade stimulates growth. While precise figures depend on the number of ships previously unable to dock, the financial benefits are substantial,” he added.