ZANZIBAR. On the southern shores of Unguja Island, cranes and construction crews are reshaping the coastline as Fumba Port rises into view. The expansion of this strategic facility is more than an infrastructure upgrade, it is a statement of intent: Zanzibar is positioning itself as a modern maritime hub, ready to handle larger vessels, attract private capital, and connect more directly to global trade routes across the Indian Ocean.
Located within the Fumba Free Economic Zone, the port is being developed under a Public‑Private Partnership (PPP) between the Zanzibar Ports Corporation (ZPC) and private investors. Designed to ease pressure on the ageing Malindi Port, Fumba is central to Zanzibar’s long‑term vision of becoming a competitive trade and logistics gateway.
Construction began in January 2025, and according to contractor China Railway Jianchang Engineering Company (CRJE), the design has already been upgraded to receive ships of up to 50,000 tonnes, significantly expanding future cargo‑handling capacity.
Expanding Trade Infrastructure
The expansion is expected to reduce congestion at existing port facilities, shorten vessel turnaround times and improve the movement of imported and exported goods.
According to Akif Ali Khamis, Director General of the Zanzibar Ports Corporation, Fumba Port is expected to become the principal cargo gateway for Zanzibar, with direct maritime links to major international trading partners including China, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and the United Kingdom.
The Zanzibar government also expects the development to support broader investments within the Fumba Free Economic Zone, creating opportunities for warehousing, distribution centres, light manufacturing and value‑added logistics services.
Investment Opportunities beyond the Port
As cargo volumes increase, investors are expected to find opportunities in:
- Logistics and freight forwarding
- Container handling and storage
- Warehousing and cold‑chain facilities
- Export processing and light manufacturing
- Maritime support services
- Free‑zone industrial development
The project is also anticipated to create hundreds of permanent jobs while stimulating business opportunities for local enterprises supporting port operations and supply chains.
Supporting Zanzibar’s Economic Growth
Speaking during the launch of Zanzibar’s wider port modernisation programme earlier this year, President Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi said modern port infrastructure is essential to strengthening trade, investment and economic competitiveness.
The Fumba Port expansion complements other strategic maritime investments underway in Zanzibar as the government works to improve regional connectivity and position the archipelago as a preferred gateway for commerce in the Western Indian Ocean.
Investor Outlook
With its strategic location, expanding maritime infrastructure and integration with the Fumba Free Economic Zone, Fumba Port is emerging as a catalyst for private investment in logistics, trade and industrial development.For investors, the message is clear: the expansion of Fumba Port is more than a transport project, it is creating a modern logistics platform that can support manufacturing, regional trade and long‑term private investment across Zanzibar and the wider East African market.
