Upgrades at Tanzania’s Lake Victoria Ports Set to Double Passenger Traffic, Boost Revenue

Tanzania Ports Authority’s (TPA) Lake Victoria Ports in the Mwanza region are set for transformation with passenger traffic on the Lake expected to double in the next year.

This statement was made recently by the Manager of the Lake Victoria Ports, Erasto Lugenge while speaking to the press.

According to Lugenge, the improvements are supported by a TZS 60 billion investment from the Tanzanian government that is expected to greatly enhance transport within the Lake Zone.

Lugenge detailed that TZS 18.6 billion will be dedicated to Mwanza North Port, while the remainder will fund improvements at the Kemondo and the Bukoba ports.

Lugenge highlighted that the port’s development project began in May last year and was scheduled to be completed within 18 months, although progress stands at 44% due to design adjustments needed for the new MV Mwanza Hapa Kazi Tu Water Vessel.

This high-capacity vessel, upon completion, will become East Africa’s largest water vessel for both passenger and cargo transport, with upgrades underway at the port to accommodate it.

The 92-meter-long ship is expected to carry 1,200 passengers, 400 tons of cargo, 20 small vehicles, and three large trucks—marking an increase from the current MV Victoria, which holds 600 passengers.

Lugenge added that currently, Lake Victoria ports serve approximately 1.64 million passengers annually, but with new infrastructure, this figure is expected to double.

He added that revenue from Lake Zone ports is projected to rise, with the TPA currently collecting TZS 4 billion from Lake Zone operations. This figure is expected to double to TZS 8 billion after the improvements.

Lake Victoria

Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa, is a vital geographical and economic asset located primarily in Tanzania, with portions extending into Uganda and Kenya.

Covering an area of approximately 26,828 square miles (69,484 square kilometers), it serves as a crucial water source and is part of the Nile River system.

The Tanzanian regions bordering the lake include Mwanza, Mara, and Kagera, which are heavily reliant on its resources for economic activities.

Annually, the lake yields approximately 500,000 tons of fish and provides direct employment for over 300,000 people.

Key fish species include Nile perch and tilapia, both of which are critical for local consumption and international exports, particularly to markets in Europe, the United States, and Japan.

The main ports on Lake Victoria are the Mwanza South Port and the Mwanza North Port which are both connected by road and rail to Tanzania and neighboring countries.Other key ports include the Bukoba Port, Kemondo Port, Musoma Port, Nansio Port, Mwigobero Port, Shirati Port, Kinesi Port, and Maisome Port.