On Friday, 23 January 2026, the Executive Secretary of the Central Corridor Transit and Transport Facilitation Agencyparticipated in the official commissioning of MV New Mwanza, a state-of-the-art vessel launched for commercial operations on Lake Victoria.
Valued at USD 50 million, MV New Mwanza is among the most advanced maritime vessels in East Africa. The megavessel is strategically designed to strengthen regional maritime transport by linking key ports around the lake, notably Port Bell in Uganda and Kisumu Port in Kenya, thereby enhancingcross-border trade and mobility within the region.
The commissioning ceremony was officiated by Rt. Hon. Mwigulu Lameck Nchemba, Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, and was attended by senior governmentofficials, regional leaders, and development partners, underscoring the project’s regional significance.
“The commissioning of MV New Mwanza is a major stepforward in strengthening inland water transport on Lake Victoria. This modern vessel will enhance efficiency, safety, and reliability of maritime services, while deepening regionalintegration and supporting seamless trade among our Partner States.” Adv. Flory Okandju
The launch of MV New Mwanza marks a significantmilestone in efforts to modernize inland water transport and promote efficient, safe, and sustainable multimodal connectivity. The vessel is expected to improve transport efficiency, reduce logistics costs, and facilitate increased tradeflows across Lake Victoria, reinforcing the Central Corridor’sstrategic role in regional integration and economicdevelopment.