Tanga Port is positioning itself as a major gateway for regional and international trade after significant government investments improved its capacity, efficiency and ability to handle large cargo vessels, Finance Minister Amb. Khamis Mussa Omar has said.
The minister praised the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) for transforming the port through strategic infrastructure upgrades, saying the improvements are already strengthening Tanzania’s role in global trade and creating new economic opportunities.
Speaking during an inspection visit to Tanga Port, Amb. Omar said the completion of dredging works and construction of a 456-metre berth had changed the port’s operational outlook by enabling it to receive bigger vessels directly from international markets.
He said the development marked a major shift from the previous situation where the port’s limited depth prevented large vessels from docking directly.
“Previously, the port’s depth could not allow large vessels to enter directly. Today, because of the government’s investment, Tanga Port is receiving large ships directly from countries such as the United States and China. This is a significant achievement,” Amb. Omar said.
The minister said the government is planning another expansion phase that will extend the berth from 456 metres to 900 metres, with a focus on increasing container handling capacity and making Tanga Port a stronger logistics centre in East Africa.
He said improved port capacity would stimulate private sector investment, particularly in cargo storage facilities, logistics services and other businesses linked to maritime trade.
Amb. Omar urged investors and businesses in Tanga Region to take advantage of the opportunities created by the port’s growth.
“Beyond the existing passenger services between Tanga and Pemba, the government will continue improving the environment to enable the port to receive cruise ships, which will support tourism and other economic activities in the region,” he said.
TPA Tanga Port Manager Salehe Mbega said the infrastructure improvements had significantly increased the port’s efficiency, allowing it to receive direct international vessels instead of depending mainly on feeder ships.
He said the upgrades had reduced vessel turnaround time from between eight and ten days to three to five days, while lowering costs associated with transferring cargo from offshore locations to the port.
The improvements have also delivered strong growth in port operations. According to Mr Mbega, the number of vessels handled increased from about 100 annually before the upgrades to 616 vessels in the financial year ending June 2026.
Cargo volumes also increased more than fourfold, rising from approximately 500,000 tonnes to 2.17 million tonnes annually.
Mr Mbega said the port is now playing a bigger role in supporting strategic national projects, including energy developments, gas projects and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP).
However, he noted that rapid growth in cargo and vessel traffic has pushed the port closer to its current capacity, making further expansion necessary.
“In just two to three years, we have witnessed cargo and vessel growth beyond our expectations. This has brought the port close to its capacity, which is why we are preparing the next phase involving additional berth expansion and more cargo storage facilities through partnerships with the private sector, including dry ports,” he said.
The transformation of Tanga Port is part of the government’s wider efforts to improve transport infrastructure, reduce logistics costs and strengthen Tanzania’s position as a regional trade and investment hub.
The minister was accompanied by Tanga Regional Commissioner Amb. Dr Batilda Buriani, Tanga District Commissioner Dadi Kolimba, Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and Accountant General of the Government CPA Leonard Mkude, Deputy Commissioner General of the Tanzania Revenue Authority Mcha Hassan Mcha, and senior government officials.
