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The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Budget has praised the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries for the progress made in implementing the TZS 280 billion Kilwa Masoko Fishing Port project, describing it as a strategic investment expected to transform Tanzania’s fisheries sector and create about 30,000 jobs.
The project, which is nearing completion, is expected to stimulate employment opportunities across the fisheries value chain, from fishing and processing to transportation and trade, as the government intensifies efforts to expand the blue economy.
Speaking in Dodoma on May 6, 2026, during the presentation of an implementation report on the Kilwa Masoko Fishing Port and the procurement of deep-sea fishing vessels, Budget Committee chairperson Mashimba Ndaki commended the ministry for effectively supervising the project.
Ndaki also applauded the Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Bashiru Ally Kakurwa, together with ministry experts, for advancing the development vision championed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
“We commend the ministry for continuing with the Kilwa Masoko Fishing Port project. However, the government must ensure the port becomes operational immediately after completion by speeding up the procurement of fishing vessels,” Ndaki said.
He warned against allowing the facility to remain underutilized, stressing the importance of investing in modern fishing vessels to maximize returns from the project.
The committee further advised the government to reduce dependence on donors in the procurement of deep-sea fishing vessels, noting that donor-related conditions and delays have slowed the process.
Presenting the report, Minister Kakurwa said construction of the port has reached 97 percent and is expected to be officially handed over by the contractor on May 30, 2026.
He said the completion of the port will open up new opportunities in the fisheries sector and strengthen the country’s blue economy agenda.
Kakurwa also thanked the parliamentary committee for its continued oversight, guidance and recommendations, saying the support had helped the ministry implement strategic projects, including the procurement of fishing vessels, distribution of fish farming cages and provision of modern fishing boats to local communities.
The Kilwa Masoko Fishing Port is among Tanzania’s flagship infrastructure projects aimed at modernising the fisheries industry, increasing exports and improving incomes for thousands of Tanzanians who depend on fishing activities for their livelihoods.
