Logistics leap for Tanzania

• Samia unveils key transport, logistics infrastructure projects
• President directs Dar Port activities shift to Kwala by Monday

COAST REGION: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan on Thursday inaugurated three major transport and logistics infrastructure projects in Kwala, Coast Region, marking a significant stride towards positioning Tanzania as a regional logistics hub.

The launched projects include the commencement of freight services on the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), the official opening of the Kwala Dry Port, also known as the Kwala International Logistics Hub and the establishment of the Kwala Industrial Hub.

“These three strategic developments mark the beginning of our journey to become a trade and transport hub for East and Central Africa,” President Samia said.

“They signal a new chapter for Tanzania, industrialised, wellconnected with modern infrastructure and regionally and globally competitive.”

She directed that all port-related services currently handled at the Dar es Salaam Port be relocated to Kwala by August 4th, this year. “Let all port activities be shifted to Kwala by that date,” she instructed.

“The process must be transparent, swift and handled with professionalism.” The President emphasised that the launch of SGR freight services underscores Tanzania’s commitment to building an integrated logistics system supported by rail, road and air networks.

“The SGR line from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma is a national strategy to cut transport costs, reduce road damage and mitigate environmental degradation. Cargo from the port can now reach Kwala in 45 minutes to one hour and Dodoma in four to five hours, compared to 30 to 35 hours by truck,” she noted.

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She added that the railway would help decongest Dar es Salaam, increase port efficiency and reduce cargo offloading time.

“We expect SGR freight services to significantly lower logistics costs, stimulate economic activity and enhance the competitiveness of the Dar es Salaam Port,” she said.

President Samia revealed that the government has invested 330.2bn/- in the purchase of 1,430 freight wagons to support the SGR’s operations. She called for improvements in transport agency business and sales departments.

“We must place creative and skilled personnel in these areas and strengthen collaboration with major producers within and outside the country to attract more cargo,” she said.

She also encouraged the Tanzania Railway Corporation (TRC) to consider partnering with the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) to expand the freight network. According to the President, the Kwala hub will ease congestion in Dar es Salaam by decentralising logistics activities.

“It will also serve traders from neighbouring countries such as the DRC, Zambia, Burundi and Rwanda more efficiently,” she said.

She added, “Plans are underway to link this station with Bagamoyo Port, 60 kilometres away, and Tanga Port, 216 kilometres away. We are preparing to construct a deep-water port in Bagamoyo capable of handling modern vessels carrying up to 6,000 containers.” On Dar es Salaam Port’s improved performance, President Samia said cargo volume increased from 23.69 million tonnes in 2023 to 27.76 million tonnes in 2024, representing a 17.2 per cent rise.

The number of ships handled scaled from 1,860 to 1,990, and the average ship size rose from 45,000 to 65,000 tonnes. She directed local government authorities to plan for infrastructure and services that support industrialisation in and around Kwala.

“Let’s develop complementary services such as truck parking areas, fuel stations, spare parts shops, housing and markets without delay,” she advised.

The president also directed the Ministry of Home Affairs to set up a police post in the area and increase patrols. She also instructed the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) and TRC to prepare long-term development plans for the Kwala hub.

“The Ministry of Transport must ensure this area is fully equipped with essential cargohandling services, including facilities for hazardous materials. The railway training institute must also be completed to produce a skilled workforce for this growing sector,” she stated.

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She disclosed that several neighbouring countries have already been allocated land within the Kwala cluster, saying Burundi, Malawi, Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda and Zimbabwe have each received 10 to 20 hectares.

According to her, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been allocated 45 hectares at Kwala and an additional 15 hectares at Katosho Port in Kigoma. In return, Tanzania has received 60 hectares in Kasumbalesa, Kasambondo and Kasenga in the DRC.

“With the integration of rail and maritime services, cargo delivery time from Dar es Salaam to Kampala, Uganda is expected to drop from 15–16 days to just five to six,” she added. Minister for Transport, Professor Makame Mbarawa said the government has allocated over 2.6tri/- to transport sector development, including 1.11tri/- specifically for railway infrastructure.

He noted that the Kwala Dry Port is capable to handle over 820 containers daily, roughly 30 per cent of Dar es Salaam Port’s current volume.

The facility is fully government-owned and strategically positioned to serve countries such as Rwanda, Burundi, DRC and Malawi.

Former President Jakaya Kikwete praised President Samia for successfully implementing key infrastructure projects, stating that the Kwala Port launch reflects strong leadership and continuity from previous administrations. He added that the port will help decongest Dar es Salaam and stimulate economic growth in surrounding areas.