TASHICO hints on regional expansion in new plan

MWANZA: THE Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASHICO) is shifting from vessel recovery and rehabilitation to commercialisation, regional expansion and eventual entry into the Indian Ocean market.

The move follows progress under its Second Strategic Plan (2021/22–2025/26), which has strengthened operational capacity through rehabilitation, modernisation and development of vessels that had previously been out of service or operating below capacity.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the ‘Daily News’, TASHICO Managing Director Mr Eric Hamissi said the plan had enabled the corporation to restore and expand services on major lakes while improving regional connectivity.

He cited key achievements including the rehabilitation of vessels such as MV Victoria, MV Butiama, MT Ukerewe, MV Clarias, MV Umoja and MV Liemba. He also highlighted the completion of MV New Mwanza, a modern passenger-cum-cargo vessel with capacity to carry about 1,200 passengers and 400 tonnes of cargo, which has boosted operations on Lake Victoria.

Mr Hamissi said TASHICO is working to reopen and expand strategic routes linking Tanzania with Uganda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia, positioning itself as a logistics and regional connectivity provider beyond passenger transport.

However, he noted that some long-term targets remain, including expansion into the Indian Ocean. He said achieving this goal will require stronger commercial performance, increased cargo volumes, improved vessel utilisation, efficient turnaround times, enhanced digital systems and better marine infrastructure.

“As we conclude the current Strategic Plan, our focus is shifting towards commercialisation, expansion, regional integration and entry into the Indian Ocean,” he said.

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Mr Hamissi reaffirmed the corporation’s commitment to passenger safety, citing investments in vessel rehabilitation, modern navigation and safety equipment, crew training and compliance with maritime safety standards. On cargo transport, he said.

TASHICO is strengthening the movement of agricultural pro – duce, fish, construction materials and other goods. He added that improved lake transport links would reduce isolation among island and lake – shore communities while opening up market access for local producers.

“Our objective is to build a dependable network where water transport becomes integral to national and regional logistics,” he said.

He said the next phase will focus on improving commercial performance, expanding cargo services and regional routes and positioning TASHICO as a key player in maritime transport and regional trade.