DRC named top user of the Dar Port after infrastructural reform

DAR ES SALAAM: MAJOR improvements to port infrastructure in Tanzania, particularly at the port of Dar es Salaam, have increased government revenue, enhanced service efficiency, and attracted more users from neighboring countries, with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) leading in the use of Tanzanian ports. These developments have strengthened Tanzania’s position as a key trade gateway for East and Central Africa.

Speaking during a tour to highlight the achievements of the first 100 days of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Government Chief Spokesperson, Gerson Msigwa, said the investments in port infrastructure have stimulated economic growth by reducing vessel turnaround time and enhancing the competitiveness of Tanzania’s ports at regional and international levels.

According to data for the 2024/2025 financial year, Tanzanian ports handled significant cargo volumes for neighboring countries, with the DRC leading at 5,995,293 tonnes, followed by Zambia with 3,510,706 tonnes, Rwanda with 1,724,370 tonnes, Malawi with 675,200 tonnes, Burundi with 425,774 tonnes, Uganda with 185,625 tonnes, Zimbabwe with 61,306 tonnes, and other countries with 38,512 tonnes.

To enhance port operational efficiency, the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) signed investment agreements with DP World Dar es Salaam Limited and Tanzania East Africa Gateway Terminal Limited (TEAGTL). By June 2025, DP World had invested 214.2bn/- in equipment, ICT systems, and infrastructure, while TEAGTL invested 410.4bn/- in berth rehabilitation, equipment procurement, and the installation of modern operational systems.

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These investments increased the volume of cargo handled at ports to 27.7 million tonnes in the 2024/2025 financial year, representing a 17 percent increase. Additionally, 16.7 million tonnes were handled between July and December 2025, a 30 percent increase. The average turnaround time for container vessels was reduced from 30 days to just six days.

Msigwa noted that the improvements also created 764 direct jobs and increased customs revenue collections to 12.33tri/-, equivalent to a 17 percent rise.

He further said that other strategic projects are ongoing, including the construction of new berths and 15 oil storage tanks, the upgrading of Malindi Wharf, and the construction of an internal port railway that will increase cargo handling capacity to 480,000 TEUs per year.

Msigwa added that similar improvements are also underway at other ports across the country, including Mgao in Mtwara, Bukoba, Kemondo, Mwanza North, as well as the ports of Kigoma, Tanga, and Mbamba Bay, to strengthen trade, increase revenue, and driving national economic development.