The Parliamentary Committee on Infrastructure has praised the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) for significant advancements in port operations, citing improved cargo handling and reduced vessel docking times as key achievements driven by substantial investments.
During an inspection tour of the Dar es Salaam port yesterday, committee chairman Seleman Kakoso expressed satisfaction with the progress at Dar es Salaam, Mtwara, and Tanga ports, as well as the ongoing construction of dry ports aimed at decongesting Dar es Salaam.
“We commend TPA for its effective management and the improvements realized through government efforts to attract investments, including the Mbamba Bay port on Lake Nyasa, a multibillion-shilling project,” Kakoso stated.
He emphasized the critical role of port development in driving economic growth, noting that increased efficiency enhances tax collection by the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), which supports national development programs.
Kakoso highlighted major infrastructure investments under the Dar es Salaam Maritime Gateway Project (DMGP) as key drivers behind the port’s improved efficiency, including increased ship traffic and faster cargo offloading times.
Recognizing the critical role of the Port of Dar es Salaam in regional trade, the Tanzanian government, in partnership with international stakeholders, launched the Dar es Salaam Maritime Gateway Project (DMGP). This ambitious initiative aimed to modernize the port, enhancing efficiency and positioning it as a world-class maritime hub.
The DMGP, a collaborative effort between the Government of Tanzania, the TPA, and key development partners—including the World Bank and the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID)—sought to boost the port’s capacity and operational effectiveness. This transformation would benefit public and private sector players while driving economic growth in Tanzania and its land-linked neighbors.
The DMGP introduced critical improvements, including deepening and strengthening berths 1 to 7 to 14.5 meters, allowing the port to accommodate larger vessels. The entrance channel and turning basin were deepened and widened to 15.5 meters, ensuring safer and more efficient vessel movement.
The project also upgraded rail linkages and cargo platforms, streamlined operations, reduced transit times, and improved logistics efficiency.
The project received substantial financial backing, with the World Bank providing a $345 million credit through the International Development Association’s scale-up facility. DFID contributed a $12 million grant, reinforcing the UK’s commitment to Tanzania’s development. The Tanzanian government also allocated $63.4 million, demonstrating national ownership and commitment to the initiative.
These upgrades are expected to increase the port’s annual capacity from 16 million tonnes to 28 million tonnes by 2027. Vessel waiting times have already been reduced from an average of 80 to 30 hours, significantly reducing delays and associated costs.
The successful implementation of the DMGP has strengthened the port’s role as a trade facilitator within the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). By enhancing efficiency and reducing logistical bottlenecks, the project is stimulating economic growth across the region.
More than just an infrastructure upgrade, the DMGP is a testament to the power of collaboration. It exemplifies how strategic partnerships and a shared vision can transform challenges into opportunities, driving sustainable development and regional integration.
With its modernized facilities and improved capacity, the Port of Dar es Salaam is now a beacon of progress, reflecting Tanzania’s aspirations for economic prosperity and global competitiveness.
“These advancements enable TPA to focus on upgrading other ports, such as Mtwara and Tanga, and expanding dry ports in Kwala, Coast Region, and Ihumwa, Dodoma—helping to alleviate pressure on Dar es Salaam,” Kakoso said.
He also called for expedited construction of a railway line to facilitate cargo transportation to dry ports and urged TPA to secure land for future expansion.
“Globally, major ports reserve land for growth. TPA should allocate funds for compensation and secure land near port areas,” he advised.
TPA Deputy Director General, Dr. Baraka Mdima, reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to collaborating with the Ministry of Transport, investors, and stakeholders to enhance port services, particularly at Dar es Salaam, which serves neighboring countries, including Rwanda, Burundi, DR Congo, Zambia, Malawi, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.
Deputy Minister for Transport, David Kihenzile, commended the government for fostering an investment-friendly environment that has enabled the implementation of critical port improvement projects.
Acting Dar es Salaam Port Manager, Gallus Abed, noted that recent investments have significantly reduced ship offloading times, which previously took seven to ten days but now take only three days.
This article was published by Githua Kihara, an editorial consultant for FEAFFA’s Freight Logistics Magazine. For any inquiries, please contact us via email at editorial@feaffa.com or freightlogistics@feaffa.com, or reach out to Andrew Onionga directly at onionga@feaffa.com / +254733780240.
