Zanzibar to reclaim regional gateway title with $300m Mangapwani Integrated Port

Unguja. The Zanzibar government has commenced construction of the Mangapwani Integrated Port in Unguja, marking the start of one of the most ambitious maritime infrastructure projects in the history of the Isles.

The multi-million-dollar facility is expected to transform Zanzibar into a modern maritime gateway capable of handling large-scale international cargo operations.

Located at Mangapwani on the north-western coast of Unguja, about 25 kilometres from Stone Town, the new port is designed to support growing trade volumes and relieve pressure on existing facilities, particularly the ageing Malindi Port.

The $300 million mega-port is designed to handle modern container vessels carrying up to 15,000 containers.

It will feature three berths, including a main berth stretching approximately 680 metres with a depth of about 20 metres.

This configuration will allow the docking of large container vessels weighing up to 20,000 tonnes, significantly enhancing Zanzibar’s maritime handling capacity.

Authorities say the port will also include advanced cargo handling yards, storage areas, and logistics infrastructure to support containerised cargo, bulk shipments, and petroleum products.

The facility is expected to accommodate different types of cargo, including liquid bulk, fishing vessels, and offshore services vessels, positioning Zanzibar as a competitive maritime hub in the region

A major component of the project is the installation of a 200-megawatt power generation plant at the port.

The facility will ensure reliable electricity supply to port operations and surrounding industrial activities for at least the next 15 years.

This energy provision is expected to support continuous operations and attract investors to associated industrial zones.

In addition, fuel storage facilities with a capacity exceeding 60 million litres will be constructed at the port.

The storage infrastructure is expected to provide strategic reserves sufficient to meet domestic fuel demand for more than three months, strengthening Zanzibar’s energy security and supply reliability.

The Mangapwani project forms part of a broader government strategy to modernise port infrastructure across the islands.

Zanzibar authorities have outlined plans to invest more than $400 million in port development projects, including new facilities in Pemba and the construction of a dry port at Maruhubi.

These initiatives are expected to allow direct arrival of international cargo ships and reduce reliance on trans-shipment through mainland ports.

The port development is also closely linked to Zanzibar’s long-term economic ambitions.

Officials project that improved maritime infrastructure will support growth in trade, tourism, fisheries, and the blue economy.

The project is expected to generate employment opportunities and stimulate private investment in logistics, manufacturing, and related services.

Experts note that Zanzibar’s current port facilities face increasing pressure due to growing cargo volumes and population expansion.

The new integrated port is therefore expected to enhance efficiency, reduce congestion, and lower shipping costs, while improving the reliability of supply chains serving the islands.

Beyond cargo operations, the Mangapwani development is expected to integrate with planned shipyard facilities and logistics centres.

Reports indicate that additional investments are being considered to establish an international shipyard at the site, enabling local construction and maintenance of vessels for the first time in Zanzibar’s history.

Construction of the Mangapwani Integrated Port signals a decisive shift in Zanzibar’s infrastructure development agenda.

Once completed, the facility is expected to strengthen regional connectivity, expand trade capacity, and position Zanzibar as a strategic maritime hub along the East African coast.