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The Tanzanian government has promised to review the new container loading and offloading fees being charged at the port and across Dar es Salaam municipalities.
This decision comes in response to growing concerns from business owners and industrialists about the impact of these fees on their operations.
Speaking on Monday, Industry and Trade Minister Selemani Jafo acknowledged the concerns raised by the Confederation of Tanzania Industries (CTI) and others in the private sector. He confirmed that his ministry, together with the Ministry of Finance and the President’s Office for Regional Administration and Local Government (PORALG), is working to find a solution.
“I’ve heard the complaints from industrialists, especially through CTI, about the new charges,” Dr. Jafo said. “We are taking these concerns very seriously, and we will come up with a solution within the next two months.”
Leodegar Tenga, executive director of the CTI, said the new fees are driving up production costs for local industries, making it harder for them to compete. He explained that for industries to thrive, they need a business environment that is supportive and predictable.
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“We really appreciate the Minister’s willingness to address this issue,” Tenga said. “Industrial growth is vital to job creation and contributing to government revenue, so it’s important that the environment works for everyone.”
Tenga added that CTI has been in regular discussions with key government officials, specifically focusing on the costs related to container loading and offloading. With industrialization seen as one of the pillars of Tanzania’s economic future, CTI hopes the government will act swiftly to resolve the issue.
The government’s commitment to reviewing the fees highlights its recognition of how important a thriving industrial sector is to the country’s overall economic development. Both the private sector and government officials are optimistic that the review will lead to a fair resolution that supports business growth while maintaining necessary revenue for the port.
