Tanzania has unveiled Africa’s largest inland freshwater vessel, a significant move aimed at enhancing regional trade, transport connectivity, and economic cooperation across East Africa.
The MV New Mwanza was officially launched on Lake Victoria by Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba, who emphasized that modern maritime transport will play an increasingly vital role in supporting cross-border commerce and diplomatic relations among countries surrounding the lake.
Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa, is bordered by Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya, and it sustains millions of people through fishing, passenger transport, and trade. Governments in the region have long identified maritime capacity and safety as major barriers to deeper economic integration.
“Lake Victoria connects our economies,” Nchemba stated during the launch event in Mwanza. “These vessels should support trade, promote economic diplomacy, and strengthen cooperation with our neighbors.”
The MV New Mwanza can carry 1,200 passengers and 400 tonnes of cargo, including heavy trucks and light vehicles, significantly enhancing capacity for both commercial logistics and passenger transport. The vessel measures 92.6 meters in length and 17 meters in width, making it nearly the size of a football pitch and as tall as a four-storey building. It is powered by two high-capacity marine engines designed for continuous operation.
Nchemba described the vessel as a symbol of Tanzania’s industrial and technical capabilities, noting that it was built to international maritime standards. He urged the application of skills gained during its construction to future shipbuilding projects, including vessels on Lake Tanganyika connecting Tanzania with the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, and Zambia.
On the topic of safety, the Prime Minister emphasized adherence to professional standards, highlighting the ship’s advanced navigation and rescue systems, including automatic distress signal transmission and a voyage data recorder, commonly referred to as a maritime “black box.”
Eric Hamissi, Managing Director of Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASHICO), mentioned that the vessel offers various passenger classes, ranging from economy to VIP, and is designed to serve both domestic and regional markets.
Construction of the MV New Mwanza began in 2019 for $51.8 million. When the current administration took office, the project was 40% complete, with nearly 80 billion Tanzanian shillings allocated to finalize construction according to international quality and safety standards, as stated by Transport Minister Makame Mbarawa.
Officials anticipate that the MV New Mwanza will boost tourism, enhance safety on one of Africa’s busiest inland waterways, and reinforce Lake Victoria’s role as a crucial economic corridor for East African trade.
As trade within the East African Community continues to grow, Tanzania believes that investments such as the MV New Mwanza will position inland maritime transport as a reliable, safe, and internationally competitive mode of connectivity.