Saudi Arabia shrugs off involvement in Bagamoyo Port deal

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Tanzania has denied reports alleging that Saudi Arabia has acquired Bagamoyo Port, calling the claims “baseless and misleading.”

In an official statement released earlier today, the embassy clarified that the Kingdom has not engaged in any negotiations or agreements to take over the strategic port.

“The Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the United Republic of Tanzania wishes to categorically clarify recent misinformation circulating regarding the alleged acquisition of Bagamoyo Port by Saudi Arabia. These claims are entirely baseless and misleading, intended to misrepresent the Kingdom’s diplomatic and economic engagement with Tanzania”, the statement stated.

It described the claims as speculative and urged the public and media to rely on official sources for accurate information while reducing unnecessary confusion.

“We emphasize that Saudi Arabia has not engaged in any negotiations or agreements to acquire Bagamoyo Port. Any such reports are speculative and should not be considered as credible information. Saudi investments in Tanzania are focused on sustainable development and partnership-driven opportunities that align with the national interests of both nations” the statement added.

Furthermore, the statement added that the Kingdom remains committed to mutual engagement in investments in Tanzania in a transparent and lawful manner.

“Saudi Arabia and Tanzania share a historic and strong bilateral relationship based on mutual respect, cooperation, and shared aspirations for economic growth and development. The Kingdom remains committed to mutual engagement on investments in Tanzania in a transparent and lawful manner, always respecting Tanzania’s sovereignty and strategic interests,” it stated.

The statement reassured that the Kingdom remains a trusted partner of Tanzania and looks forward to strengthening diplomatic and economic ties.

“The Embassy urges the public and media to rely on official sources for accurate information and refrain from spreading unverified reports that could potentially mislead stakeholders and the general public” it added.

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The speculation emerged after photos circulated on social media showing Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) Director General Plasduce Mbossa alongside a delegation of Saudi investors and government officials.

Some reports suggested the images depicted an official handover of the port.

Additionally, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) quoted Hassan Al-Huwaizi, the chairman of the Federation of Saudi Chambers of Commerce, as saying Tanzania had granted SADC ownership and operational rights to the Bagamoyo port.

In a video shared on the official X account of the Saudi Embassy, Mr. Yahya bin Ahmed Okeish, the ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Tanzania, explained the nature of the delegation’s visit:

“The delegation conducted a visit that yielded positive results, including the signing of an agreement to establish the Saudi Business Council in Tanzania. They also explored various investment opportunities in port infrastructure, such as Bagamoyo.”

“The visit also included a tour of Zanzibar, where we met with the Honorable President of Zanzibar. Both sides agreed on strengthening business cooperation, and we explored investment opportunities. We felt honored to examine these prospects, as Tanzania serves as the gateway to East Africa. Africa in general presents numerous opportunities, as we have witnessed today, and we are impressed by the vast potential for investment in Tanzania,” he stated.

Yesterday, a senior government official, speaking on anonymity in the interview with the Daily News reporter, rubbished the circulated claims.

“The information is false. While TPA officials and some government ministers attended the meeting with investors from Saudi Arabia, the discussion was about a joint business plan, not the transfer of port ownership,” the official said.

During the Saudi Arabia-Tanzania Business Forum, organized with the support of the Saudi Chamber of Commerce, officials from both countries explored new investment opportunities, including development projects in Zanzibar, as part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to expand its presence in African markets.