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Tanzania has taken a bold leap toward becoming a major trade and investment destination in Africa, with the official opening of the East Africa Commercial and Logistics Centre (EACLC) in Ubungo, a suburb of Dar es Salaam.
The launch was presided over by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who also officiated the operational debut of the new Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA) — a body created to simplify and modernize the country’s investment framework.
What Is the EACLC?
The EACLC is a state-of-the-art trade and logistics complex covering over 75,000 square meters, built on the grounds of the former Ubungo bus terminal. With more than 2,000 retail and commercial units, the centre is designed to support local traders, small and medium-sized enterprises, and international companies operating in the East African region.
Since construction began in May 2023, the project — valued at around TZS 282.7 billion (approx. USD 110 million) — has created over 2,000 jobs during the development phase. It is expected to generate 15,000 formal jobs and over 50,000 informal opportunities once fully operational, making it a critical tool in tackling youth unemployment and empowering women entrepreneurs.
Launched officially on July 1, 2025, TISEZA replaces the former Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) and the Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA). Its mission: to streamline investment processes, reduce bureaucracy, and create a One-Stop Facilitation Centre for investors.
According to Gilead Teri, TISEZA’s Director General, the new agency introduces clear investment thresholds for qualifying as a strategic investor: USD 50 million for foreign investors and USD 20 million for Tanzanians. These thresholds give priority access to incentives and fast-track services.
The new law — the Investment and Special Economic Zones Act No. 6 of 2025 — also mandates the registration of all investment projects, allows for digital service delivery, and improves monitoring for long-term sustainability and accountability. Investors will now have faster access to licensing, permits, and government support services under one roof.
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With its modern infrastructure, EACLC is strategically aligned with major transport corridors including the Tanzania Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and the Port of Dar es Salaam. This positions Tanzania to become a central logistics hub for the East African Community (EAC), which comprises markets in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Speaking at the event, regional leaders praised the EACLC as a “gateway to regional prosperity,” particularly for Tanzanian exporters aiming to add value to local goods and access new markets.
Beyond infrastructure and policy, the real impact will be felt in the communities. “This project is about real people,” said a senior regional official. “It’s about young Tanzanians getting their first job, women building their own businesses, and local entrepreneurs having a place to grow.”
In the long term, officials hope the EACLC will not only serve as a logistics and trading centre, but also as a launchpad for regional manufacturing, warehousing, and even light industry — helping Tanzania transition from a transit economy to a value-adding industrial player.
