By Charles Mkoka
Dar es Salaam is about to witness a game-changer in trade and transportation. The highly anticipated East African Commercial and Logistics Center (EACLC), built on the old Ubungo Bus Terminal grounds, is gearing up for its grand opening—and the buzz is electric.
With just months to go before the official launch, EACLC has announced rental prices for shops inside the massive four-story complex. Business owners looking to set up shop in this state-of-the-art facility will need at least TZS 1 million per month for a 12-square-meter space. However, there's a major perk—those who pay for a full year in advance will enjoy two months of rent-free space.
Spanning thousands of square meters, the commercial giant boasts over 2,000 shops, dedicated office spaces, a vibrant restaurant zone, 10 bank chambers, and a cutting-edge parking system capable of accommodating more than 1,000 vehicles on both rooftop and underground levels. This isn’t just another shopping hub—it’s a commercial revolution, expected to provide jobs for thousands of young people and reshape the way businesses operate in Tanzania.
Despite concerns that the new hub could overshadow Dar es Salaam’s iconic Kariakoo market, EACLC’s management has strongly dismissed the rumors. Speaking to the media, the head of marketing and sales made it clear that the two markets serve different purposes.
“All these claims are baseless. Kariakoo has over 13,000 shops, while EACLC houses about 2,000. There’s no way we’re here to replace it. Instead, this hub acts as a bridge, connecting all major markets and making business flow easier than ever before,” she stated.
With high expectations surrounding the project, all eyes are now on the grand opening—one that many hope will be graced by President Samia Suluhu Hassan herself. As the countdown begins, one thing is certain: Ubungo is about to become the heartbeat of East African commerce.
