It elevates regional business; Samia hails new trade, logistics hub

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIAN President Samia Suluhu Hassan has said the newly inaugurated East Africa Commercial and Logistics Centre (EACLC) in Ubungo, Dar es Salaam, is designed to strengthen trade and modernise large-scale markets across the country, not to compete with the long-established Kariakoo Market.

Speaking during the official launch of the $110m US dollars centre, President Samia emphasised that the EACLC will serve as a model for improving the management, transparency, and infrastructure of markets in Tanzania.

“This facility is not a competitor to Kariakoo Market. Kariakoo has earned its name over many years, but it still has room to learn from this new centre. EACLC should serve as a benchmark a teacher for how we operate major markets in this country,” said President Samia.

She stressed that the government expects the new centre to curb revenue leakages and enable more efficient tax collection, supporting broader national goals of economic discipline and sustainable development.

The President also challenged local manufacturers to maintain high production standards, especially for goods destined for international markets.

“Produce with quality. Any product that carries the label ‘Made in Tanzania’ must meet the standard that reflects our country’s reputation,” she urged.

The East Africa Commercial and Logistics Centre, developed for 282.7bn/-, is part of Tanzania’s strategy to improve trade logistics and attract investment across the region. Construction began in May 2023, creating more than 2,000 jobs during the building phase.

Gilead Teri, Director General of the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA), said the Centre features 2,060 modern commercial units and spans over 75,000 square metres, with expectations to generate 15,000 direct jobs and over 50,000 indirect jobs, especially benefiting youth and women.

“This is a flagship project under the Sixth Phase Government that signals Tanzania’s readiness to host transformative investment projects,” Teri noted.

The Centre will serve as a regional gateway for traders from the East African Community (EAC) and neighbouring countries including Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

It complements other major infrastructure developments such as the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and Dar es Salaam Port expansion, positioning Tanzania as a key player in regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).