TRANSPORT Minister Prof Makame Mbarawa has expressed the government’s commitment to installing modern infrastructure and equipment at all major ports across the country to promote economic growth and create job opportunities for Tanzanians.

Prof Mbarawa made the remarks yesterday here during his visit to the new Mbamba Bay port on the shores of Lake Nyasa in Ruvuma Region, commending Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) for initiating construction of the new port which is projected to cost 75.8bn/-.

He said that the facility will significantly enhance transportation of goods such as industrial products, agricultural produce and fishery products to neighbouring countries such as Mozambique, Malawi and Zambia via Lake Nyasa.

“This project is unique for Lake Nyasa and will not only create jobs but also stimulate the economy for Tanzania and its neighbours that depend on this port for trade,” he said.

He urged TPA to effectively oversee the construction process, ensuring close collaboration between the contractor and project consultants to attain completion as planned.

Juma Kijavara, TPA’s deputy director general, outlined the port’s ambitious design, which includes two berths, each 103 meters long with capacity to accommodate large vessels, an upgrade from the current port which primarily serves small boats.

The new infrastructure will also feature warehouses, staff housing, an administration building, a passenger terminal, a workshop, a water tank tower and a health facility. A 105-meter-long bridge will facilitate cargo vehicle access along with a designated area for storing up to 3,000 cargo containers.

John Paul, TPA project engineer, said that the project is currently at 6 percent, with ongoing work on engineering designs and site preparations.

He informed the minister that TPA has already made an advance payment of over 3.2bn/- to the contractor and has compensated the consultant for the initial contract.

Recent TPA reports indicate that the new port will greatly enhance operational efficiency, leading to increased cargo and passenger traffic on Lake Nyasa.

Over the past three years, performance of Lake Nyasa ports has improved significantly, with total cargo volumes reaching 19,380.96 tonnes and 87,803 passengers.

The benefits of the new port extend beyond transportation; local youth will have access to job opportunities and businesses, especially in catering services which are expected to flourish to support contractors and workers. Additionally, the port will promote regional and international economic growth, encouraging investment in Tanzania’s industrial sector.

Managed by Xiamen Ongoing Construction Group Limited and supervised by consultant Anova Consult, the construction is expected to be completed by January 2026.