As part of the development associated with the failed Tanganyika groundnut scheme, Mtwara features a deep-water port that can accommodate ocean-going vessels, and a range of large municipal buildings, including a post office.

Beyond Masasi the road is newly paved towards Songea via Tunduru and Namtumbo and the Unity Bridge which provides a crossing point to Mozambique.

It features an airport with a new paved runway that can accommodate medium size passenger jets up to Boeing 737 and Airbus.

Mtwara serves as the access point for a small but growing tourism industry based in nearby Mikindani.

New Port for dirty cargo such as Cement and Coal is planned to be constructed at Mgao Village near Mikindani, it is under final stage of procurement.

The city experiences hot and humid weather throughout much of the year and has a tropical wet and dry climate (Köppen: Aw).