Mwanza

Ethnicity

The Sukuma constitute over 90 percent of the population of the Mwanza Region. Other ethnic groups in the region, in much smaller proportions, include the Zinza, Haya, Sumbwa, Nyamwezi, Luo, Kurya, Jita,((shashi)) and Kerewe. They live mainly in the Mwanza city area. National policy, however, gives very little importance to ethnic groupings and reliable data is difficult to find.

Economy

In 2011 the city council announced plans to create a major commercial development in the Ilemela District. Construction works on Rock City Mall were finalized in early 2016. This mall is the first of its size in Mwanza and one of the biggest malls in the country.

Fishing

One major occupation of the inhabitants along the shores of Lake Victoria in Mwanza region is fishing, and there are five fish processing plants in the area. Nile perch were previously introduced to the lake, and are exported in large quantities.

The consequences of the nile perch industry are the subject of the Academy Award nominated documentary Darwin's Nightmare (2004) by Hubert Sauper.

On the lake around Mwanza, a lot of sardine fishing (locally known as 'dagaa') takes place.

National Parks

Several Tanzanian National Parks are located in the close vicinity of Mwanza town.

Saanane Island National Park can be reached by boat from the centre of Mwanza in around 10 minutes.

The western most gate (Ndabaka Gate) of Serengeti National Park is located at around 150 kilometres by road from Mwanza town. Day trips to Serengeti National Park are organised by several tour operators in Mwanza.

Rubondo Island National Park can be reached by road and boat, or by a direct flight from Mwanza. It is located around 110 kilometres west of Mwanza town.

Culture

The Sukuma Museum is located in Bujora, just east of Mwanza. It gives an overview of the history, architecture, culture and language of the Sukuma tribe, which is the main tribe in the area.

Airport

Mwanza is served by Mwanza Airport, which is located at 10 km to the north of the city centre in Ilemela District.

The airport has flights to Dar es Salaam, Nairobi, and other destinations around Tanzania.

Railway

Mwanza's railway station is located in the centre of town, in Nyamagana District.

The city is connected by rail with Shinyanga. Twice a week the train departs to Dar es Salaam, via Dodoma, Tabora and Kigoma.

Buses

Two bus stations connect Mwanza to the rest of Tanzania and neighbouring countries by road: Nyegezi and Buzuruga bus station.

Nyegezi bus station is located in Nyamagana district. Buses going to the south and west leave from Nyegezi, as well as international services.

Buzuruga bus station is located in Ilemela district. Buses going to the east, North and the Kenyan border depart from Buzuruga bus station.

Ferry

In December 2014 the regular ferry service between Mwanza, Bukoba and Kampala was halted whilst the ferry boat (Mv Victoria) underwent major maintenance.

Sports

Toto African and Mbao FC are the main football clubs in Mwanza. The teams participate in the 2016/2017 Tanzanian Premier League. Home games are played at CCM Kirumba Stadium.

Education

St. Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT) is the main university in Mwanza. The University extends over 600 acres (243 ha) in the Nyegezi-Malimbe area 10 km south of Mwanza City. It lies 4 km off the main Mwanza- Shinyanga road on the shores of Lake Victoria. The University is a half-hour’s drive from Mwanza by car or by bus.

Cooperation with cities outside Tanzania