The Government has intensified efforts to fast-track digital transformation in the maritime sector, a strategic move aimed at positioning Tanzania as a leading trade and logistics hub across East and Central Africa.
Speaking in Dar es Salaam during the opening of a regional seminar on modern maritime systems, the Minister for Transport, Makame Mbarawa, stressed the urgency of adopting integrated digital platforms such as the Maritime Single Window (MSW) and Port Community Systems.
He warned that delays in embracing these technologies could erode the country’s competitiveness in the global marketplace, signaling a broader policy shift from infrastructure-led growth to a data-driven, technology-enabled logistics economy.
This push comes as Tanzania continues to invest heavily in port infrastructure, particularly at the Port of Dar es Salaam, which handles more than 90 percent of the country’s international trade while serving several land-linked neighboring countries.
Analysts note that while this geographic advantage is significant, its full value can only be unlocked through seamless digital integration that eliminates inefficiencies across the logistics chain.
Through the Dar es Salaam Maritime Gateway Project, the port has expanded its capacity, enabling it to accommodate larger vessels and increasing cargo throughput to 27.7 million tonnes in the 2024/25 period.
Vessel turnaround time has also been reduced, lowering operational costs and making the port more attractive to global shipping lines.
However, experts argue that infrastructure expansion without matching digital systems risks limiting efficiency gains.
The Maritime Single Window is widely seen as a transformative solution. Designed to integrate all port stakeholders into a single electronic platform, it streamlines approvals, improves data flow, and minimizes bureaucratic delays.
According to the Director General of Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation, Mohamed Salum, the system enhances transparency, reduces revenue leakages, and strengthens port competitiveness.
It also improves revenue governance by ensuring all transactions are digitally recorded, reducing reliance on manual processes.
However, stakeholders emphasize that Tanzania’s success will depend on regional coordination. Without harmonized digital frameworks across neighboring countries, cargo movement could still face delays at border points despite improvements at the port level.
Increasingly, trade competitiveness is defined not by individual countries, but by how effectively regions function as integrated systems.
Globally, institutions such as the International Maritime Organization and the World Bank have underscored that digitalization is no longer optional.
Under the IMO Facilitation Convention, countries are required to adopt electronic data exchange systems.
This places additional pressure on Tanzania to align with international standards or risk losing cargo flows to more technologically advanced ports.
Despite strong momentum, challenges remain. Gaps in ICT infrastructure, a shortage of skilled professionals, and the high cost of implementing digital systems continue to pose risks.
Addressing these issues will require sustained investment, policy reforms, and stronger collaboration with the private sector to accelerate innovation.
Even so, the opportunities are substantial. If fully implemented, digital transformation could reposition Tanzania from a traditional cargo gateway into a smart logistics hub driven by real-time data and operational efficiency.
This shift would boost national revenue, create jobs, and strengthen the country’s competitive position in global trade.
Beyond the port, the benefits could extend to manufacturing, inland transport, and financial services, all of which depend on efficient logistics systems.
Ultimately, the government’s push for maritime digital transformation represents more than a policy direction it is a strategic investment in Tanzania’s economic future.
With coordinated execution and sustained commitment, the country stands poised to emerge as a dynamic trade engine linking Africa to the global economy.
