By Alfred Zacharia
Dar es Salaam. The construction of Tanzania’s first fishing port at Kilwa Masoko, on the Indian Ocean coastline in Lindi region, is 70 percent complete, marking a significant step in boosting the country’s deep-sea fishing industry and improving livelihoods for local communities.
With an investment of TSh 289.5 billion, the port is expected to create 30,000 jobs and become fully operational by January next year.
Once completed, the facility will process 60,000 tonnes of fish annually, enhancing Tanzania’s capacity to tap into the lucrative deep-sea fishing market.
A key component of the project is a fish processing facility designed to empower local fishing communities, enabling fishermen to increase their daily catch from 1kg to 100kg.
This leap in productivity will boost their economic prospects, while women in the sector stand to benefit from expanded opportunities in seaweed farming, with production expected to rise from 4,000 tonnes to 10,000 tonnes annually, according to the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries.
George Kwandu, Director of Infrastructure and Development at the Ministry, highlighted the current challenge of foreign vessels dominating Tanzania’s deep-sea fishing.
"This new port will change that, offering a facility where locally caught fish can be processed and sold directly to traders, increasing profitability for Tanzanians," said Kwandu.
The port will have the capacity to store 1,800 tonnes of fish and accommodate vessels up to 35 meters in length.
The Kilwa Masoko Fishing Port is expected to become a hub for deep-sea fishing, addressing infrastructure gaps and creating a more efficient supply chain.
The development aligns with Tanzania's strategy to modernize its fishing technology and access international markets, including the American market for tuna.
The government, in collaboration with USAID, has already implemented an Electronic Monitoring (EM) system in deep-sea waters to support this initiative.
The port’s construction is part of a broader development agenda under President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership.
The project is envisioned as a key driver for Tanzania's blue economy, creating jobs and adding value to fish products.
The government’s commitment to the fisheries sector is reflected in the increased budget allocation for the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Development, which has grown to TSh 460.334 billion in the fiscal year 2024/25 from just TSh 66.8 billion in 2020/21.
During the port’s groundbreaking ceremony in September 2023, President Hassan also announced plans for a similar facility in Bagamoyo, aimed at capitalizing on Tanzania’s vast coastline.
She emphasized that the Kilwa Masoko Fishing Port would not only support fishermen but also foster growth in related industries such as seaweed farming and fish processing.
"If Kilwa doesn’t experience significant change after this project, we will need to evaluate where the problem lies, as the government is heavily investing to solve these challenges," said the President, hinting at potential airport upgrades to facilitate the export of fish products from Kilwa, depending on the port's success.
The Kilwa Masoko Fishing Port is set to play a transformative role in Tanzania's fisheries sector, driving economic growth and empowering local communities. The construction is expected to take 36 months, including 24 months of building and one year of supervision.
