President Samia Suluhu Hassan has officially launched the East African Commercial and Logistics Centre (EACLC), a landmark project aimed at transforming Tanzania into a leading trade and logistics hub in the region. The state-of-the-art facility, developed at a cost of over TSh 282.7 billion, features more than 2,060 modern spaces for shops and offices.
The Centre is expected to create over 15,000 direct jobs and support an additional 50,000 informal employment opportunities, offering a major economic boost to both the city and the wider region.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, President Samia praised the project's scale and strategic vision, noting that the EACLC is not intended to compete with the renowned Kariakoo Market, but rather to complement and inspire it.
“This centre is a modern model of how trade can be conducted efficiently and transparently. It offers valuable lessons, particularly in the use of digital systems to improve operations and reduce government revenue losses,” she said.
She urged stakeholders in traditional trading centres like Kariakoo to embrace innovation and learn from EACLC’s advanced infrastructure and management systems.
The new logistics hub is expected to ease congestion in older markets, streamline regional trade, and improve the overall business environment.
With Tanzania’s strategic geographic position, the facility further positions the country as a key gateway for East African trade.
President Samia reaffirmed her government’s commitment to supporting investment in modern infrastructure that enhances trade, employment, and sustainable development.