The government of Tanzania has kicked off an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the planned Bagamoyo Fishing Port, a project expected to strengthen the fisheries sector and boost national revenue.
The initiative was officially launched on March 17, 2026, by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Ms. Agnes Meena, at the Fisheries Education and Training Agency (FETA) offices in Mbegani.
She highlighted that the port will play a key role in supporting the fisheries industry, which remains an underutilized contributor to the nation’s economy.
“The port will help preserve fishery products, reduce losses, and add value to our marine resources,” Ms. Meena said, urging experts to ensure the project is implemented professionally, safeguarding marine ecosystems and improving the livelihoods of fishing communities.
Engineer George Kwandu, the Ministry’s Director of Infrastructure, noted that the port is part of Tanzania’s Blue Economy initiatives under a May 2024 Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Korea.
Following a feasibility study conducted with Korea Exim Bank, the Ministry agreed to carry out the ESIA to guide project implementation.
Professor Rubhera Mato, head of the ESIA team, explained that the assessment will cover all necessary environmental permits and measures to mitigate impacts on both the marine environment and local communities.
The exercise, expected to last four months, involves Ministry experts and private-sector specialists.
Upon completion, the Ministry will move to detailed design and construction stages in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance.
The Bagamoyo Fishing Port, to be built in Mbegani, Bagamoyo District, will feature fish receiving and storage facilities, docking areas for fishing vessels, ship maintenance zones, and aquatic infrastructure, providing comprehensive support for the local fisheries sector.
Officials say the project is a strategic step toward modernizing Tanzania’s fisheries industry, ensuring sustainable marine resource management, and contributing to the nation’s economic growth.
