MWE Correspondent
Tanzania’s maritime sector is experiencing a robust transformation, with the government reporting significant gains in revenue and port efficiency at the Port of Dar es Salaam following new public-private partnership initiatives.
Presenting the 2025/26 budget in Parliament on May 15, 2025, Minister of Transport Prof. Makame Mbarawa announced that revenue from customs duties increased from TSh7.08 trillion (July 2023–February 2024) to TSh8.26 trillion during the same period in the 2024/25 financial year—a rise of TSh1.18 trillion.
Mbarawa attributed this growth to improved port operations, strengthened customs systems, and enhanced collaboration with global logistics operators. “The partnership has clearly delivered results,” he told lawmakers. “Our ports are now more competitive, efficient, and revenue-driven.”
One of the standout achievements is the 30% reduction in port operational costs—from TSh975 billion to TSh685 billion. This comes in the wake of reforms and modern management strategies introduced through partnerships with international port operators like DP World.
Ship turnaround time has also improved dramatically. The average waiting period for general cargo vessels was cut from 46 days to 7, while container ships now wait only 3 days, down from 10 days—a change that has significantly eased congestion at ports.
Additionally, the average number of containers handled monthly increased from 17,000 to 25,000, a rise of 47%. These improvements are part of the government’s larger goal to position the country as a key logistics hub in Africa.
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According to the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA), 27.55 million tonnes of cargo had already been handled by March 2025, edging close to the country’s 2030 target of 30 million tonnes.
“These results are a testament to the success of our 20-year port development master plan,” said Prof. Mbarawa. “By accelerating investment and reducing bureaucracy, we are building a foundation for sustained growth.”
The reforms align with broader efforts under Tanzania’s Third Five-Year Development Plan, which aims to stimulate industrialization, trade, and infrastructure expansion to drive inclusive economic growth.
With port performance already nearing decade-end targets, Tanzania is fast emerging as a model for smart logistics reform, attracting increased trade flows across the East African Community (EAC) and beyond.
