Hassan Magulumali
Tanzania’s port system has recorded significant growth in cargo handling, with Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) traffic, container volumes managed by DP World, and dry bulk cargo registering strong increases during the latest reporting period.
The latest figures underscore Tanzania’s growing role as a regional trade and logistics hub, driven by increased movement of vehicles, industrial equipment, consumer goods, and bulk commodities through the country’s ports.
Among all cargo categories, RoRo traffic recorded the highest growth. The number of units handled rose from 16,177 in May 2025 to 30,442 in May 2026, representing an impressive 88 percent increase. This translates into an additional 14,265 units processed within a year.
The growth was also reflected in vessel activity, with RoRo ship calls increasing from 13 in May 2025 to 20 in May 2026. The upward trend has been consistent over the past two years, considering that only 14,645 RoRo units were handled through nine vessel calls in May 2024.
The sharp increase indicates rising demand for the transportation of vehicles and wheeled cargo through Tanzania’s port network, reinforcing the country’s position as a key gateway for regional trade.
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Container traffic handled by DP World also posted notable gains. The volume of containers processed increased from 27,953 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in May 2025 to 44,001 TEUs in May 2026, marking a 57 percent increase.
The latest figures represent an additional 16,048 TEUs compared to the same period last year. Even more significantly, container volumes have more than tripled from 13,779 TEUs recorded in May 2024, highlighting rapid growth in trade activity and cargo movement.
Industry experts attribute the performance to ongoing investments in port infrastructure, modernization of cargo handling systems, and improved operational efficiency. The growth is expected to further strengthen Tanzania’s competitiveness in regional and international trade.
As cargo volumes continue to rise, the importance of efficient logistics systems linking ports to domestic and neighboring markets has become increasingly critical. Enhanced transport networks and streamlined cargo clearance processes are expected to support continued growth and position Tanzania as one of East Africa’s leading maritime and trade gateways.
