MWE Correspondent
Tanzania has officially joined the global community in marking World Maritime Day 2026, with celebrations taking place in Tanga from September 21 to 24 under a theme calling for stronger implementation of policies and strategies across the maritime sector.
The celebrations were officially opened on September 21 at Kijiji cha 21 Grounds in Tanga City by the Secretary General of the Zanzibar Ministry of Construction and Transport, Eng. Ali Said Bakar, on behalf of the Zanzibar Minister for Construction and Transport.
This year’s theme, “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence,” translated into Swahili as “Kutoka Sera hadi Utekelezaji: Kuimarisha Ubora Katika Sekta ya Usafiri Majini,” places emphasis on turning maritime policies, laws, regulations and strategies into practical actions that deliver measurable benefits to citizens and strengthen the sector.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Bakar said the success of maritime policies should be reflected in improved safety of vessels, a reduction in maritime accidents, protection of marine and water environments, more efficient ports and increased use of technology.
He also highlighted the importance of developing skilled professionals capable of meeting regional and international standards, particularly as the maritime industry continues to evolve through technological advancement.
According to Bakar, digital transformation is increasingly important in improving maritime services. He said the government is continuing to strengthen digital systems aimed at reducing bureaucracy, improving transparency and speeding up services related to vessels and port operations.
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The focus on digitalisation comes as Tanzania continues efforts to modernise its transport and logistics infrastructure, with ports playing an important role in facilitating domestic and international trade.
Tanzania’s maritime sector includes major ports such as Dar es Salaam, Tanga and Mtwara, which serve as key gateways for cargo movement and regional trade. Tanga Port, in particular, has gained strategic importance through ongoing investment in port infrastructure and its connection to major economic projects in northern Tanzania.
Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of the Director General of the Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC), Advocate Judith Kakongwe thanked stakeholders for sponsoring and participating in the World Maritime Day celebrations.
She said the involvement of different stakeholders had contributed significantly to the success of the event, underscoring the importance of collaboration between government institutions, regulators, maritime operators and other players in improving the sector.
The celebrations in Tanga will continue through September 24, 2026, featuring activities aimed at raising awareness of maritime issues and promoting practical implementation of policies governing the industry.
The World Maritime Day observance also provides an opportunity for Tanzania to examine challenges affecting maritime safety, environmental protection, port efficiency, technology adoption and human-resource development.
With the sector facing growing demands for efficient transport and stronger environmental and safety standards, stakeholders are being encouraged to move beyond policy formulation and focus on implementation that produces tangible results.
The Tanga celebrations are therefore expected to reinforce efforts toward building a safer, more efficient, technologically advanced and sustainable maritime transport sector capable of supporting Tanzania’s trade and wider economic development.
