Tanzania and Belarus have agreed to strengthen cooperation in the ports sector, a move expected to enhance trade efficiency, expand investment opportunities, and support economic growth between the two countries.
The agreement was reached following a visit by Belarus Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Maxim Ryzhenkov, who toured the headquarters of the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) in Dar es Salaam on April 29, 2026, where he was briefed on ongoing port operations and modernization efforts.
During the visit, TPA Deputy Director General, Engineer Dr. Baraka Mdima, said the authority is committed to strengthening cooperation with Belarus, particularly in improving the handling and transportation of agricultural products, including perishable goods that require fast and efficient logistics systems.
He explained that TPA continues to upgrade and modernize port infrastructure to improve efficiency and service delivery.
He added that special facilities are being developed to handle agricultural cargo, with key focus areas including Tanga Port and Bagamoyo Port, which are expected to play a strategic role in supporting regional and international trade.
Dr. Mdima further noted that enhanced collaboration with Belarus would contribute to improving cargo handling systems, reducing turnaround time at ports, and strengthening Tanzania’s position as a logistics hub in the East African region.
On his part, Mr. Ryzhenkov expressed Belarus’s strong interest in Tanzania’s port development, noting that his country sees Tanzania as a strategic gateway for accessing international markets, particularly for the export of agricultural products.
He said improved port efficiency and stronger cooperation would benefit both countries by facilitating smoother trade flows, reducing transportation costs, and opening new economic opportunities.
Tanzania’s Ambassador to Russia, Mr. Fredrick Kibuta, welcomed the development, saying the partnership marks an important step in strengthening economic diplomacy and expanding trade relations.
He noted that the cooperation is expected to attract new investment opportunities while improving the movement of goods, especially agricultural products, through Tanzania’s ports to global markets.
