‘Railway, road crucial to support Tanga port upgrade’

TANGA: MINISTER for Transport, Professor Makame Mbarawa has reiterated the government’s commitment to improving both rail and road infrastructure as part of the initiatives to support the modernisation of Tanga Port.

Recent performance trends suggest that the return on investment (ROI) from the port’s upgrade could be achieved within just two years.

During an inspection tour of the port, Prof Mbarawa highlighted a significant increase in revenue generated by both the port and the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA). He attributed the growth to the port’s enhanced capacity to handle larger vessels, following the completion of the 429.1bn/- improvement project.

The minister insisted that President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s decision to invest in the port’s modernisation was both strategic and timely.

“Without efficiently functioning railway and road infrastructure, the goal of improving cargo handling at the port will remain unattainable,” Prof Mbarawa said.

The minister was responding to a request from Tanga Regional Commissioner, Dr Batilda Burian who had appealed to the government for upgrades to the road connecting Tanga Port to the Mwambani site, which is now being used as a dry port for cargo storage.

Prof Mbarawa assured stakeholders that the government would prioritise the request to further enhance the port’s operations.

The minister also stressed the importance of robust transport infrastructure in supporting port activities, pointing to the ongoing developments at Dar es Salaam Port, where the government is establishing a Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) entry point to improve cargo transport.

“Reports indicate that both the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) and TRA collected 100bn/- in just four months. If this trend continues, annual collections could exceed 200bn/-. Within four years, the investment in the port will have been fully recovered,” he said.

Tanga Port, one of Tanzania’s oldest ports, is strategically located along the Indian Ocean and serves as a critical gateway for regional and international trade.

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Historically, the port faced significant challenges, including limited capacity and outdated infrastructure, which hindered its ability to compete with other regional ports. Under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the government has prioritised upgrading key transport and logistics infrastructure, including Tanga Port.

The port’s modernisation, valued at 429.1bn/-, has involved dredging the harbour, constructing modern berths and improving cargo handling facilities.

These upgrades have substantially increased the port’s capacity to accommodate larger vessels and handle higher volumes of cargo efficiently.

The modernisation of Tanga Port is part of a broader government strategy to transform Tanzania into a regional logistics hub.

This includes continued investments in the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and road networks to link the country’s ports with inland regions and neighbouring countries, ensuring seamless cargo transportation. Tanga Port’s modernisation has already begun to yield positive results.

Revenue collection by TPA and TRA has surged, highlighting the port’s potential as a major economic driver for both Tanzania and the wider East African region.

However, challenges persist. Supporting infrastructure, such as the road network connecting Tanga Port to the Mwambani dry port, requires urgent upgrades to sustain progress and fully unlock the port’s potential.