Zanzibar will spend over $400 million on port infrastructure development. This is a move that will revolutionize trade on the islands. Additionally, this Zanzibar Ports Infrastructure development move is expected to enable direct receipt of international cargo ships.
As for now, Zanzibar does not receive cargo ships directly from abroad. Apparently, most ships tend to dock at Mombasa in Kenya or Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. From these two major ports in the region, the goods are reloaded to smaller vessels in certain areas such as the Kwala Dry Port in Tanzania then transported to Zanzibar. Eventually, this process usually causes delays and frustration for traders in the region.
Zanzibar Ports Infrastructure Factsheet
Cost: $400 million
Objective: To revolutionize trade by enabling Zanzibar to receive international cargo ships directly. This will be achieved by eliminating the need for transshipment through ports like Mombasa and Dar es Salaam.
Key Port Projects
Fumba Port:
- Focus: Handling the majority of imports into Zanzibar.
- Capacity: Dredging is underway to deepen the harbor, aiming to handle 250,000 containers per year. Also, it will be able to receive cargo directly from major international trade hubs like China, Dubai, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.
Mangapwani Port:
- Focus: Serving as a major hub for cargo destined for neighboring countries like Kenya, Mozambique, Comoros and handling liquid cargo like fuel, gas, and edible oils.
- Features: It will have a one-kilometer berth for international cargo. Also, this will significantly reduce import costs for liquid cargo by around 20%.
Additional development: Over $50 million is allocated to build an international shipyard at Mangapwani, which will allow Zanzibar to construct and maintain vessels locally for the first time.
Other ports:
- Shumba Port (Pemba): A new port being constructed in Pemba’s Micheweni District to enhance trade and transport links with Kenya, Pemba, Unguja, and Tanga.
- Malindi Port: Undergoing upgrades and management changes to improve efficiency. Africa Global Logistics (AGL) has taken over the management of the Malindi Container Terminal and is committed to an investment program to modernize and develop the port.
Mpigaduri Port, a New Passenger and Car Ferry Terminal
In the quest to improve its port infrastructure, Zanzibar plans a new passenger and car ferry terminal that will be built north of Stone Town. This port is intended to relieve congestion at the existing Malindi Port. The project is a public-private partnership (PPP) with a Netherlands-based company, ZF DEVCO, and is expected to be completed in two phases over 36 months. Furthermore, it is designed to serve up to 8,000 passengers per day and 3 million passengers annually.
Speaking on August 26, 2025, the Zanzibar Ports Corporation (ZPC) Director General Akif Ali Khamis, revealed that changes are already ongoing. Also, he revealed that within three years, Zanzibar will be a major commercial hub. Furthermore, it will be able to accommodate large international vessels.
Ports Undergoing Development and their Roles
Currently, ports that are undergoing either construction or upgrade works include Fumba, Shumba, Mkoani, Mangapwani, and Malindi. Furthermore, there will be a new dry port at Maruhubi.
Fumba Port
Fumba port will handle bulk imports into Zanzibar.
Mangapwani Port
Mangapwani will serve cargo bond for neighbouring countries like Kenya, Mozambique, Comoros, Madagascar, Seychelles, and mainland Tanzania.
Also, Zanzibar relies on Tanga Port for both fuel and gas imports. However, a local company is constructing infrastructure at Mangapwani that will handle oil and gas shipments directly. Additionally, this system is nearing completion and undergoing initial testing.
Furthermore, Mangapwani port will have a one-kilometer berth where international cargo can be off-loaded, stored, and redistributed to nearby ports.
Plans Unveiled for $50 Million Mangapwani Shipyard
Lastly, over $50 million is allocated to construct an international shipyard at Mangapwani. For the first time, Zanzibar will have the capacity to build and maintain vessels locally.
