The Government has announced a major milestone in the development of Tanzania’s blue economy, confirming that President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan will officially launch the country’s first-ever deep-sea fishing vessel on April 25, 2026.
Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Ambassador Dr. Bashiru Ally Kakurwa, said the historic launch will take place at the headquarters of the Tanzania Fishing Corporation (TAFICO) in Kigamboni, Dar es Salaam, marking a turning point in the modernization of the fisheries sector.
He said the introduction of the deep-sea fishing vessel reflects the Government’s commitment to strengthening Tanzania’s capacity to exploit marine resources directly, rather than relying heavily on foreign vessels.
Dr. Bashiru made the remarks on April 17, 2026, during a field visit by the Economic and Investment Committee of the Zanzibar House of Representatives, which inspected the ongoing construction of the Kilwa Masoko Fisheries Port in Lindi Region.
He said the port project, which has cost about TZS 280 billion, has reached 97 percent completion. The remaining works mainly involve the installation of specialized equipment that has already been procured.
According to him, once installation is completed, the facility will undergo final testing and commissioning before being officially handed over to the Government.
He added that the contractor is expected to complete the project between April and May 2026.
The Government says the Kilwa Masoko Fisheries Port is a strategic investment aimed at transforming the fisheries value chain, including fishing operations, processing, storage, and export of marine products.
The project is also expected to create jobs for Tanzanians, especially in coastal communities, while boosting local incomes and economic activity.
The Chairperson of the Zanzibar House of Representatives Economic and Investment Committee, Makame Mohammed Sufiani, praised the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Zanzibar President Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, saying their vision in investing in fisheries infrastructure is accelerating growth in the blue economy sector.
He said the ongoing investments will significantly improve productivity in the fisheries industry and open more economic opportunities for citizens.
Deputy Minister for Blue Economy and Fisheries, Mboja Ramadhan Mshenga, said the Government is continuing to strengthen the sector through infrastructure development and knowledge sharing. He noted that Zanzibar is also planning to develop its own fisheries port to further enhance participation in the blue economy.
The visit also brought together parliamentary leaders, including the Acting Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Industries, Trade, Agriculture and Fisheries, Livingstone Lusinde, alongside committee members, who were briefed on the progress of the project and its expected impact on the economy.
The Government has emphasized that investments in the fisheries sector are part of a broader national strategy to expand economic opportunities, increase domestic revenue, and reduce reliance on foreign fishing fleets.
The launch of the first deep-sea fishing vessel is expected to strengthen Tanzania’s position in the global fisheries industry and ensure citizens benefit directly from the country’s marine resources.
