(3 Minutes Read)
Lake Victoria is fast becoming a central inland cargo route for East Africa, offering a more sustainable and efficient alternative to overburdened road networks. Shared by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, the lake’s transformation into a structured freight corridor reflects growing efforts to reduce emissions, cut transport costs, and strengthen regional connectivity.
Traditionally used for fishing, local trade, and passenger movement, the lake had seen limited use in organized cargo transport. However, with its vast size—68,800 square kilometres—and a basin that stretches into Rwanda and Burundi, Lake Victoria holds immense potential. Its sole outlet, the Nile River, links the lake to broader regional water systems.
Rising freight volumes and deteriorating road conditions have sparked renewed interest in the lake as a freight route. Waterborne transport is significantly more energy-efficient and climate-friendly compared to road or rail. East Africa Marine Transport (EAMT), for example, is spearheading this shift by launching M.V. MPUNGU, the lake’s first scheduled roll-on/roll-off freight vessel. According to EAMT Director Rodney Seema, the vessel reduces transport time from days to hours, lowers emissions, and eases road congestion by carrying up to 21 fully loaded freight trucks—around 1,000 tonnes per trip.
Over 40 million people live in the Lake Victoria Basin, many relying on agriculture and fishing. Current road-based supply chains face challenges like poor infrastructure, border delays, and high fuel costs. Water transport offers a viable solution for bulk goods like fuel, fertilisers, fresh produce, and manufactured products. EAMT currently operates scheduled routes between Uganda’s Port Bell and Tanzania’s Mwanza, with plans to expand services to Kenya and invest in cleaner fuel options.
Kenya’s Kisumu Port has been revitalized since 2019, now handling fuel barges and cargo destined for Uganda and Tanzania. Each barge replaces up to 50 trucks, easing road traffic and emissions. Uganda is also investing in Port Bell and Jinja, improving links with its road and rail networks. EAMT, operated by Grindrod Logistics Africa, is integrating these services to offer door-to-door solutions.
Tanzania’s Mwanza Port remains a vital hub, supported by investment in modern vessels and equipment. It connects inland producers to coastal ports like Dar es Salaam, which links East Africa to global trade routes.
Despite progress, challenges remain. Limited marine infrastructure, port capacity, regulatory barriers, and a shortage of trained maritime staff slow expansion. EAMT is addressing this by training Ugandan mariners, including women, to support workforce development. Cross-border coordination and efficient customs are also critical, with regional bodies like the East African Community (EAC) and AfCFTA playing key roles.
AfCFTA estimates that unlocking the region’s water transport potential could require around 100 vessels, representing a significant investment opportunity. Enhanced lake shipping could improve livelihoods, generate employment in port operations, ship maintenance, and logistics, and boost market access for rural producers.
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Lake Victoria is poised to become a backbone of East Africa’s logistics network. With strategic investments in vessels, port infrastructure, and multimodal integration, and by addressing regulatory and workforce challenges, the lake could transform into a sustainable trade corridor. Its revival promises not just improved trade flows but broad social and economic benefits for communities across the region.
