Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi has broken ground on a major new port project, with an estimated cost of $300 million, at the Mangapwani area. The project, developed in partnership with the China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), aims to significantly boost the island's maritime capacity and economic growth.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, President Mwinyi outlined key challenges facing Zanzibar's economy, which the port is designed to address. These include inadequate maritime infrastructure, high logistics costs, and limited capacity for handling large cargo and cruise ships, which restricts trade and tourism potential.
The new port is planned to feature a container terminal, a cruise ship berth, and modern cargo handling facilities. Officials state it will create jobs and position Zanzibar as a competitive maritime hub in the region. The project is part of broader infrastructure investments supported by the Zanzibar government and international partners.
Construction is expected to proceed in phases, with initial operations targeted for the coming years. The development is seen as a critical step in implementing Zanzibar's development blueprint, aiming to transform the islands' economy through enhanced connectivity and trade.
