Joseph Isangura
GSM Group has marked a historic milestone in the country’s logistics industry after taking delivery of 100 HOWO Max 400 fuel tankers in the first phase of its fleet expansion.
The company expects to receive another 100 trucks within the next 21 days, completing its goal of deploying 200 fuel tankers before the end of 2025.
The newly arrived HOWO Max 400 units—introduced to Tanzania for the first time—are engineered for high-efficiency fuel transportation and driver safety.
GSM Group Chief Executive Officer Benson Mahenya highlighted the company’s long-standing relationship with Chinese truck manufacturer SINOTRUK, noting that the partnership has been essential to GSM’s growth in Tanzania’s transport sector. Over the past five years, GSM has received thousands of trucks from SINOTRUK, including models ranging from 3-tonne, 7-tonne, and 30-tonne capacities.
SINOTRUK, one of the world’s leading heavy-duty truck manufacturers, has also invested in Tanzania through a local assembly plant using a complete knock-down (CKD) model. This facility has created hundreds of jobs, strengthened local skills, and improved access to high-quality, durable trucks for Tanzanian businesses.
Mahenya emphasized that the HOWO Max 400 fuel tankers mark GSM’s official entry into the petroleum transport sector after years of specializing in dry cargo logistics.
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“These trucks allow us to safely and efficiently move petroleum products, raw materials, and manufactured goods across Tanzania and the region, contributing to economic growth and supply chain efficiency,” he said.
The presence of SINOTRUK in Tanzania has broader economic significance. Local assembly reduces reliance on imported second-hand trucks, provides jobs for Tanzanian youth, and supports industrial sectors such as mining, construction, retail, and fuel distribution. Reliable heavy-duty trucks also enable cross-border trade, strengthening Tanzania’s position in regional logistics networks.
The company’s role in petroleum transport is helping modernize the sector and improve safety standards across the country.
During the official handover ceremony, Sun Yang Tang, Managing Director of SINOTRUK Tanzania Limited, commended GSM for its consistency and loyalty. “GSM is one of our most reliable partners in East Africa. By choosing SINOTRUK, they benefit from durable trucks, quality service, and support that enhances Tanzania’s logistics and industrial capabilities,” he said.
With this new fleet, GSM Group positions itself as a leading operator in the country’s petroleum transport sector. Industry analysts say the move will strengthen supply chains, enhance safety in fuel distribution, and further contribute to Tanzania’s economic development.
