Tanzania is expanding Mtwara Port as it seeks to attract more cargo from Malawi, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and other southern and central African markets.
A new 300-metre berth, with a depth of 15 metres, is being constructed near the port to handle cement, coal and other bulk cargo. Construction is about 44% complete and is expected to finish in 2027.
The adjoining cargo area will have capacity for approximately 100,000 tonnes, allowing bulk commodities to be handled separately from other traffic at the port.
Mtwara Cargo Volumes Surge
The expansion follows a sharp increase in activity at Mtwara. Cargo volumes rose from approximately 592,000 tonnes in 2021/22 to 2.58 million tonnes in 2024/25, more than quadrupling in three years.
The port now handles fuel, cement, coal, cashew nuts, agricultural commodities, vehicles and machinery.
Tanzania wants to build on this growth by positioning Mtwara as a regional gateway for Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe and parts of the DRC, reducing pressure on Dar es Salaam and creating an alternative route for landlocked markets.
Mtwara Corridor Holds Regional Potential
The port forms part of the Mtwara Development Corridor, which seeks to connect Tanzania with Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia through improved roads, ports and other infrastructure.
However, expanding the port alone will not guarantee increased regional trade. Tanzania will also need efficient road and rail connections, competitive costs, streamlined border procedures and reliable shipping services.
Mtwara will also compete with established regional routes through Mozambique’s Nacala and Beira ports, as well as Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam corridor.
For Tanzania, the expansion represents an opportunity to transform Mtwara from a largely domestic port into a major regional trade gateway serving some of Africa’s fastest-growing agricultural, mining and industrial markets.