Artistic impression of the project (above) and current construction that has reached 60% completion
* Among the expected development linked to the port is the introduction of MV Njombe vessel services, which will transport coal to Malawi
* Referring to the Tanzanian vessel that was detained and later allowed to dock at Monkey Bay last week — carrying 1,100 metric tonnes of coal destined for Portland Cement in Balaka
By Duncan Mlanjira
Tanzania is rehabilitating its Mbamba Bay Port in Nyasa District, Ruvuma Region into a modern facility targeting economic activities to benefit neighbouring Malawi and Mozambique.
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A report by that country’s online media, Daily News, with quotes transport minister Makame Mbarawa as saying neighbouring Malawi and Mozambique are expected to benefit significantly from increased economic activities.
Among the expected developments linked to the port is the introduction of MV Njombe vessel services, which will be transporting coal to Malawi.
Just last week, Malawi’s marine law enforcement detained and a Tanzanian vessel that was later allowed to dock at Monkey Bay last week for sailing on Lake Malawi without notifying the authorities of its presence and attempting to dock.
After inspection of the coal cargo, it was released after verifying that the 1,100 metric tonnes of coal it was carrying was destined for Portland Cement in Balaka.
According to the Daily News, the over 80 billion Tanzanian shillings worth project is expected “to transform maritime transport, regional trade, tourism, fishing andinvestment opportunities while strengthening Tanzania’s position as an important economic gateway in Southern Africa”.
“The development of the port comes at a time when Tanzania continues to expand strategic infrastructure aimed at improving connectivity, increasing trade efficiency and creating new opportunities for communities”.
The report adds that once completed, Mbamba Bay Port is expected to open new commercial links across Lake Malawi (Lake Nyasa on the Tanzanian side) and strengthen economic relations with its neighbouring countries.
During a site inspection, Minister Mbarawa is quoted as saying construction of the port has reached 60% completion, which will have the capacity to accommodate two vessels at the same time, handle up to five tonnes of cargo, serve 400 passengers simultaneously and include a modern warehouse for cargo storage.
Tanzania Minister of Transport Makame Mbarawa (centre, front) and his entourage during a recent inspection visit to the project site
Business person Moses Ngonyani, as resident of Mbamba, is quoted as attesting to that the completed port would make it easier for businesses to access markets in Malawi and Mozambique, create employment opportunities for young people, improve transportation of goods and increase the value of agricultural products produced in the area.
“For many years, we hoped to see Lake Nyasa achieve greater economic growth,” he told the online. “We believe this port will attract businesses, visitors, create jobs for young people and increase residents’ incomes.”
The Tanzania government emphasises that the Mbamba Bay Port project “represents more than an infrastructure investment — it reflects Tanzania’s broader ambition to strengthen regional integration, improve economic connectivity and create sustainable opportunities for communities”.
“With its strategic location on Lake Nyasa, the port is expected to become a vital link between Tanzania and neighbouring countries while supporting trade, investment and development across Southern Africa.”
On the part of Malawi, Ministry of Transport announced on its official Facebook account in March that water transport in the country “is far from obsolete” and “will make a big comeback.
The report indicated that water transport “is steadily emerging as one of the country’s most practical and cost-effective transport solutions, easing pressure on road networks, lowering logistics costs, and improving access to remote lakeshore communities”.
“Every crossing on Lake Malawi represents more than travel, it represents connectivity, trade and opportunity.
“At the centre of this resurgence is Malawi Lake Services (MLS), which is restoring confidence in structured passenger and cargo services along the lakeshore.”
On beyond transport, the Ministry indicated that MLS also offers:
* Docking services — that include vessel repairs at floating dock facilities;
* Warehousing — secure storage in Nkhata Bay and Chilumba;
* Berthing fees — for private vessels loading cargo; and
* Heritage tours — public visits to historic ships.
“MLS is not just a transport provider — it is a driver of trade, tourism, and community development, steering Malawi toward a more connected future,” reported the Ministry in March.
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