Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) is ramping up its infrastructure development as part of a strategic effort to meet rising demand and solidify Tanzania's position as a key trade gateway for East and Central Africa.
Speaking during this year’s Customer Service Week, TPA Director General Plasduce Mkeli Mbossa outlined several critical projects aimed at increasing port efficiency, including the construction of new berths and facilities for handling petroleum products at the Dar es Salaam Port.
Among these projects, the construction of berths 12, 13, 14, and 15 is expected to significantly boost cargo-handling capacity.
"We aim to build up to 10 additional berths at the Dar es Salaam Port, ensuring enhanced efficiency and productivity," Mbossa noted.
He also highlighted the government's progress in constructing a Conventional Buoy Mooring (CBM) facility, complete with a farm tank, to enhance petroleum handling capabilities.
Beyond Dar es Salaam, TPA is also upgrading ports in Bagamoyo, Tanga, Mtwara, and Mbamba Bay (on Lake Nyasa) as part of a broader initiative to drive regional trade.
The strategy aligns with the growing economic activity in Tanzania and its neighboring countries.
In recent years, TPA has made significant investments to expand capacity, leading to measurable improvements in service delivery.
Mr. Mbossa credited the reforms introduced by President Samia Suluhu Hassan as a key factor behind the sector’s transformation, contributing to national economic growth.
Looking forward, TPA has set an ambitious goal to raise the transport sector’s contribution to Tanzania’s GDP from 7.3 percent to 15 percent.
To achieve this, the authority has begun forming partnerships with leading global shipping lines to further enhance trade opportunities in the region.
During the Customer Service Week celebrations, TPA Public Relations Officer Enock Bwigane emphasized the success of several key initiatives.
One of the most significant is the completion of the first phase of the Dar es Salaam Maritime Gateway Project (DMGP), funded by a $345 million loan from the World Bank.
This phase included deepening and strengthening berths 1 to 7 to a depth of 14.5 meters and constructing a new multipurpose berth.
The port’s entrance channel and turning basin were also widened to accommodate larger vessels, while rail infrastructure was improved and berths 8 to 11 deepened.
“These advancements have greatly enhanced the port’s infrastructure, equipment, and technology,” said Bwigane.
He also noted the implementation of the Electronic Single Window System (ESW), which has streamlined revenue collection and simplified trade procedures.
The ESW allows traders to submit import, export, and transit documents in a single location, boosting efficiency and improving government revenue assurance.
One of TPA's flagship projects is the construction of Mbamba Bay Port in Nyasa District, Ruvuma Region, which is set to be completed within 24 months. The new port will serve neighboring countries such as Malawi, Zambia, and Mozambique.
“This project will reduce the distance by over 400 kilometers for clients from Malawi, who currently rely on Dar es Salaam Port, while also easing congestion at the main port and optimizing Mtwara Port,” added Bwigane.
Mtwara Port, which has undergone significant improvements, will now facilitate the offloading of goods bound for Malawi, which will be transported to Mbamba Bay and shipped across Lake Nyasa by ferry.
Similarly, investments totaling over Sh429.2 billion have been made in Tanga Port, with the first phase already completed and a fuel jetty under development.
These enhancements are intended to improve service delivery along Tanzania’s key southern, central, and northern trade corridors.
TPA’s commitment to improved service delivery aligns with this year’s Customer Service Week theme, ‘Above & Beyond.’
Bwigane reiterated TPA’s dedication to ensuring cargo is handled efficiently, securely, and delivered on time.
"We’ve reduced delivery times for general cargo from 10 days to four days, and for oil products, to just three days," he stated.
The ongoing Farm Tank project at Dar es Salaam Port is also expected to significantly reduce fuel offloading times from 7–8 days to 3–4 days.
The project includes 15 tanks, each with a storage capacity of over 30,000 cubic meters, which will not only improve operational efficiency but also boost government revenue.
TPA’s advancements are resonating with businesses. Hassan Ngaugia, a clearing and forwarding agent with Simba Logistics, praised the ESW system for its user-friendly interface and the prompt support provided by TPA.
Donald Tawala, head of operations at Tanzania East Africa Gateway Terminal Limited (TEAGTL), commended the improvements in payment systems and cargo-handling processes.
“In partnership with TPA, we’ve made great strides in improving services, leading to increased efficiency and productivity at the ports,” Tawala concluded.