Dar es Salaam strengthens infrastructure to boost investment and trade

By The Respondent Reporter

Tanzania’s commercial capital, Dar es Salaam, is stepping up efforts to enhance its infrastructure and investment climate as part of a broader strategy to position itself as a regional trade hub.

Speaking during this year’s Dar es Salaam Day celebrations at the SabaSaba grounds, Temeke District Commissioner Sixtus Mapunda representing Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila  said the region is focused on building and upgrading transport networks to support economic activity.

“Dar es Salaam contributes 17 percent to the national economy. We are committed to maintaining this momentum by ensuring the movement of people and goods is efficient, through the construction of quality roads and bridges,” said Mr. Mapunda.

He added that the region’s attractiveness to investors has been amplified by President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s infrastructure agenda, which includes modernization of the Dar es Salaam Port, the development of the Standard Gauge Railway, expansion of Julius Nyerere International Airport, and improved access to reliable electricity and clean water.

The regional leadership has earmarked multiple sites across all five districts to accommodate new investment. Kinondoni has 29 designated areas, Kigamboni 27, Temeke 17, Dar es Salaam City 9, and Ubungo 6  all strategically positioned to support various sectors, from manufacturing to services.

Dar es Salaam Regional Administrative Secretary, Abdul Mhite, said the government is also focused on enabling a 24-hour business environment and improving access to finance for small-scale entrepreneurs.

“To promote inclusive growth, the region continues to provide loans under the 10 percent fund for youth, women, and people with disabilities. Over 2,000 groups have already benefited,” Mr. Mhite said.

This year’s Dar es Salaam Day was themed around promoting the region’s economic potential, with exhibitions, forums, and networking sessions designed to attract both domestic and international investors.

Dar es Salaam is home to Tanzania’s busiest port, the country’s largest industrial base, and a rapidly growing population, making it a focal point for public and private sector development efforts.