Zanzibar’s Mangapwani Port: Capacity and Completion Timeline Set for September 2028

Tanzania has announced new details about the construction progress and operational preparations for the Mangapwani Integrated Port in Zanzibar. According to the Ministry of Finance, construction has reached approximately 20 percent, with completion scheduled for September 2028.

The port is expected to strengthen Zanzibar’s maritime trade capacity, improve cargo handling and create opportunities for regional logistics and transshipment services.

What Is the Planned Capacity of Mangapwani Port?

According to the Director of the Zanzibar Ports Corporation, the first phase of Mangapwani Port is expected to handle:

• 250,000 to 300,000 containers annually.
• 500,000 to one million tonnes of general, non-containerised cargo annually.

The port is also designed to accommodate future expansion through additional cargo storage areas and supporting infrastructure.

TRA to Prepare Customs Systems and Inspection Equipment

During a visit to the construction site on October 26, 2026, Tanzania’s Finance Minister, Khamis Mussa Omar, instructed the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) and the Zanzibar Ports Corporation to begin preparing the equipment, systems and personnel required for port operations.

Key operational requirements include:

• Cargo inspection and scanning equipment.
• Cargo storage and handling facilities.
• Customs systems and equipment for TRA.
• Infrastructure and procedures for transshipment operations.

The minister stressed the importance of coordinating preparations with construction schedules to ensure that essential customs and operational services are ready when the port is completed.

Commercial and Logistics Opportunities for Regional Trade

Once operational, Mangapwani Port could strengthen Zanzibar’s ability to handle international cargo and participate more actively in regional maritime trade.

Its planned transshipment services could also support the transfer of cargo between vessels for onward shipment to other destinations.

For Iranian exporters and companies trading with Tanzania, the project may offer a potential logistics option in the medium term, particularly for industrial equipment, machinery, vehicles and project cargo destined for Zanzibar.

The port’s development could also create business opportunities for freight forwarders, shipping companies, customs service providers, warehouse operators and logistics investors.

However, its commercial success will depend on actual cargo demand, port tariffs, service efficiency, transport connections and competition from other regional ports.

Is Mangapwani Port Already Operational?

No. Mangapwani is still under construction, and its completion is scheduled for September 2028. The announced cargo-handling figures refer to the planned capacity of its first phase after completion, not to services currently available.

Businesses involved in trade with Zanzibar should therefore treat Mangapwani as a future logistics option rather than an immediately available port facility.

Iranian exporters can begin assessing its potential role in their logistics planning for 2028 and beyond. Final decisions should depend on the official opening date, port tariffs, cargo acceptance procedures and available shipping connections.

Conclusion

The Mangapwani Integrated Port is a major maritime infrastructure project expected to strengthen Zanzibar’s role in international trade and regional logistics.

With construction approximately 20 percent complete and a target completion date of September 2028, the project could create new opportunities for cargo handling, transshipment and logistics investment.

For Iranian businesses trading with Tanzania, Mangapwani represents a potential medium-term logistics opportunity. However, its commercial use will depend on project completion and the official commencement of port operations.

Sources:

• Tanzania Ministry of Finance: Official update on the Mangapwani Integrated Port project, October 26, 2026.
• The Citizen: TRA urged to prepare for Mangapwani Port operations, October 26, 2026.