Tanzania rubbishes Bagamoyo Port sale claim

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzanian government has dismissed reports claiming that it has sold Bagamoyo port to the Saudi Arabia Development and Investment Company (SADC).

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.

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

A picture described as a signing ceremony for the Bagamoyo Port

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

The source further clarified that no formal agreement had been signed.

“We want to inform the public that the images being shared were taken during investment discussions, not a handover ceremony. Any official signing will only take place if an agreement is reached in accordance with legal procedures,” the source added.

Saudi Arabia’s interest in Bagamoyo Port is part of its East Gateway Project, aimed at strengthening its position as a global trade hub and expanding its investments in Africa.

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.

As of now, neither the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) nor the Ministry of Works, Transport, Planning, and Investment has issued an official statement on the matter.

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