Tanzania is banking on the Bagamoyo Eco Maritime City (BEMC) to drive jobs, industry and long-term economic growth as the country pursues its industrialisation vision under Dira 2050.
At the centre of the project is a planned world-class deep-sea port at Mbegani, Bagamoyo, which is expected to become a major gateway for international and regional trade along Africa’s eastern coast by 2050.
For citizens, the port is expected to reduce the cost of transporting goods, improve access to markets and support faster movement of imports and exports.
The port will be closely linked to large industrial and manufacturing zones to support export-led industrialisation.
This means raw materials produced in Tanzania can be processed locally instead of being exported in their raw form, helping to create more jobs, raise incomes and increase government revenue.
Under the BEMC master plan, the port will be developed alongside an industrial park, a technology park and a Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
These facilities will be supported by modern infrastructure such as roads, railways, power supply, water, gas, logistics centres and reliable digital connectivity, all aimed at making it easier for businesses to operate efficiently.
The project also includes business support services such as access to finance, telecommunications and professional services.
In addition, social infrastructure such as housing, schools and healthcare facilities is planned to support workers and surrounding communities.
Government officials say this integrated approach is designed to address challenges that have slowed industrial growth in the past, including high transport costs, poor infrastructure links and limited access to serviced land for industries.
BEMC is a key priority in the CCM Election Manifesto 2025–2030, which commits the government to expanding industrial parks, Special Economic Zones and free trade areas to accelerate economic transformation and job creation.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan also highlighted the importance of Bagamoyo in her address to the 13th Parliament on November 14, 2025, after her re-election.
She announced plans to establish an additional modern SEZ in Bagamoyo, with a strong focus on creating employment opportunities, especially for young people.
Implementation of the Bagamoyo Eco Maritime City is expected to move in tandem with Tanzania’s First National Five-Year Development Plan (2026/27–2030/31), which comes into effect on July 1, 2026.
The plan places strong emphasis on industrialisation, logistics and trade facilitation as key engines of economic growth.
While the project’s success will depend on effective implementation and investor interest, the government believes BEMC has the potential to position Tanzania as a competitive trade and manufacturing hub in East and Southern Africa.
If delivered as planned, the Bagamoyo Eco Maritime City could play a major role in reshaping Tanzania’s economy by creating jobs, supporting local industries and strengthening the country’s position in regional and global trade.