The government of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan is structing a Kilwa Fishing Port in Pwani Region, poised to address long-standing challenges in the fishing sector while creating thousands of jobs for Tanzanians, particularly the youth.
The project is part of a broader strategy to leverage the country’s vast marine resources, positioning Tanzania as a leader in the blue economy.
Tanzania’s fishing industry has immense potential, thanks to its 800-kilometer coastline along the Indian Ocean. However, despite its rich marine resources, the sector has long been constrained by inadequate infrastructure, limited access to markets, and insufficient processing facilities.
The Kilwa Fishing Port aims to overcome these challenges by providing state-of-the-art facilities for fish and marine product auctions, fish processing industries, and docking spaces for large fishing vessels.
Its strategic location will also facilitate trade, connecting Tanzania to major international shipping routes and expanding export opportunities.
The economic impact of the Kilwa Fishing Port cannot be overstated. Once fully operational, the port is expected to directly employ over 30,000 Tanzanians, significantly reducing youth unemployment, which remains a critical challenge in the country.
Currently, over 500 Tanzanian youth are already employed during the construction phase, and this number will continue to grow as the project progresses.
The port’s focus on job creation in fisheries, logistics, and auxiliary services like transportation and hospitality will help alleviate the pressures of youth unemployment, which has been a persistent concern for the government.
Financially, the project is expected to deliver substantial returns. The fishing industry already contributes over $200 million annually in export revenue, and the Kilwa Fishing Port will enhance this by increasing the capacity for both local and international trade.
The port will provide a platform for Tanzanian fish to reach global markets, boosting export earnings and attracting foreign investment. In addition to fish trade, the port will foster the growth of small-scale fish processing industries, adding value to local catches and further boosting the national economy.
The total cost of constructing the Kilwa Fishing Port is estimated to be around $500 million, a significant investment by the Tanzanian government.
However, the potential return on investment is enormous, with projections suggesting that the port will contribute at least $100 million annually to Tanzania’s GDP once operational.
The development of complementary industries around the port, such as cold storage, logistics, and packaging, will further diversify the economic benefits, creating opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and local entrepreneurs.
Despite the promising outlook, the Kilwa Fishing Port project faces several challenges. Construction delays and cost overruns are always a risk with large-scale infrastructure projects, and the government will need to carefully manage these issues.
Furthermore, the success of the port will depend on attracting investors, ensuring the sustainability of fish stocks, and improving the capacity of local businesses to meet international standards.
Nevertheless, the Kilwa Fishing Port project represents a significant opportunity for Tanzania’s economic growth. By creating thousands of jobs, boosting exports, and developing sustainable industries, it is set to become a cornerstone of the country’s development strategy.
As Tanzania continues to invest in infrastructure and human capital, the Kilwa Fishing Port will be a key driver of economic prosperity, offering new opportunities for thousands of people and positioning the country as a leader in the East African and global fishing industries.