MWE Correspondent
Councillors from Kilombero District Council have commended President Samia Suluhu Hassan for investments in the Port of Tanga, saying the improvements have strengthened the port’s potential to attract cargo from Tanzania and neighbouring countries.
The councillors made the remarks during a study visit to the port, where they learned about its operations, infrastructure improvements and opportunities for regional trade and investment.
They said the government’s investment had enhanced the port’s capacity and increased its attractiveness to neighbouring countries seeking efficient routes for importing and exporting goods.
The visit provided the councillors with an opportunity to understand how port infrastructure contributes to economic development, trade facilitation and revenue generation.
Welcoming the delegation, Tanga Port Manager Salehe Mbega said the improvements were designed to enable the port to accommodate larger vessels at its berths, handle increased cargo volumes and generate more revenue.
Mbega explained that strengthening port infrastructure was essential to improving operational efficiency and positioning Tanga as a competitive gateway for domestic and regional trade.
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He added that the improvements had also created opportunities for investment in inland container depots and warehouses for cargo storage, opening additional areas for private-sector participation in the logistics industry.
The port manager urged investors to take advantage of the available opportunities by establishing facilities that could support cargo handling, storage and distribution.
Investment in such facilities could help improve the movement of goods between the port and inland markets, while creating opportunities for businesses involved in transport, warehousing, clearing and forwarding.
The Port of Tanga is strategically positioned along Tanzania’s northern coastline on the Indian Ocean. Its location provides an important connection for maritime trade and offers potential benefits to businesses serving northern Tanzania and neighbouring land-linked markets.
Improved port capacity can reduce logistical bottlenecks, support the movement of raw materials and finished products, and strengthen the competitiveness of businesses that depend on international trade. However, the extent of these benefits depends on efficient port operations, reliable transport links and the ability to attract consistent cargo volumes.
The expansion of storage and inland cargo facilities could also encourage private investment, generate employment and support the development of logistics services around Tanga and its hinterland.
For neighbouring countries and regional traders, access to efficient ports provides alternative routes for moving goods, potentially improving flexibility in supply chains and reducing dependence on a limited number of transport corridors.
The councillors’ visit highlights the importance of sharing knowledge about major infrastructure projects and understanding how national investments can create opportunities for local authorities and communities.
As the Port of Tanga continues to develop its capacity, attracting investors and increasing cargo traffic will be important to maximising the economic returns from the infrastructure improvements.
The government’s broader objective is to strengthen Tanzania’s position as a regional trade and logistics hub by improving transport infrastructure and expanding the capacity of its ports to serve domestic and international markets.
