Posted on March 30, 2026
Tanzania has commenced construction of the Mangapwani Integrated Port in Unguja, Zanzibar, in a move that signals a broader push to reposition the country within regional and global maritime trade. The project is now framed as a $300 million development, reflecting expanded ambitions beyond its initial scope.
The Mangapwani port in Zanzibar is designed to accommodate modern container vessels carrying up to 15,000 containers, significantly increasing the island’s cargo handling capacity. At its core is a main berth stretching 680 metres with a depth of 20 metres, capable of receiving large vessels of up to 20,000 tonnes. The facility will include three berths, allowing it to handle multiple ships simultaneously and ease pressure on existing ports.
The official opening ceremony of the Mangapwani Port Project.
Beyond capacity, the project integrates critical support infrastructure. A 200-megawatt power generation plant will be installed at the port to ensure a stable energy supply for at least the next 15 years, while fuel storage facilities exceeding 60 million litres are planned to meet domestic demand for more than three months. These additions position the port as both a logistics and energy hub within Zanzibar’s economy.
The scale of the project reflects its place within a wider investment strategy involving international port operators. In 2022, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ) and AD Ports Group of Abu Dhabi signed a memorandum of understanding to explore investment opportunities across Tanzania’s maritime sector. The Mangapwani port in Zanzibar is one of the key projects emerging from that framework.
The broader plan includes proposals to upgrade Tanzania’s coastal infrastructure at multiple points. These include a potential $1 billion development of the Bagamoyo port, aimed at creating one of the largest maritime gateways in East Africa, as well as a $300 million oil jetty in Dar es Salaam to strengthen fuel handling and distribution capacity.
President Hussein Ali Mwinyi linked the project to long-standing infrastructure gaps, particularly in electricity supply and fuel storage, which have driven up costs and slowed industrial growth in Zanzibar. Addressing these constraints, he said, is central to unlocking the island’s economic potential.
President Hussein Ali Mwinyi officially opening the project.
“The Mangapwani Integrated Port will position Zanzibar as a key logistics and transport hub for East and Central Africa,” Dr Mwinyi said.
In addition, Adani International Ports Holdings (AIPH) has secured a 30-year concession to manage a container terminal at the Port of Dar es Salaam, marking a shift toward long-term private sector participation in port operations. The arrangement is expected to improve efficiency, expand capacity, and integrate Tanzania more closely into global shipping networks.
For Zanzibar, the Mangapwani project represents a strategic expansion beyond its traditional economic base. By combining port infrastructure with energy generation and fuel storage, the development is designed to support trade, industrial activity, and long-term supply stability.
For Zanzibar, the Mangapwani port project signals a change in role. Beyond tourism, the island is positioning itself as a functional part of regional trade, with infrastructure that supports both the movement of goods and energy supply.
