COAST REGION: CARGO volumes between Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have more than doubled in recent years, rising from 2.95 million tonnes in 2021/22 to 5.995 million tonnes in 2024/25.
The surge highlights the growing transport cooperation between the two countries, with the DRC remaining a key partner for Tanzania in cargo movement through the Port of Dar es Salaam.
Minister for Transport, Prof Makame Mbarawa, revealed this during a signing ceremony in Kinshasa for the development and operation of the Kwala Dry Port in Tanzania’s Coast Region.
The agreement was signed between the DRC government and Boston Developers Ltd, a Dubai-based company, with an investment of 300 million US dollars (approximately 720bn/- ).
Prof Mbarawa said Tanzania is responding to rising cargo demand by investing in transport infrastructure, including the expansion of the Dar es Salaam Port, construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and development of dry ports across the country to improve regional cargo efficiency.
He added that the Kwala Dry Port project will further strengthen trade along the Central Corridor and position Tanzania as a major gateway for East and Central Africa.
“This project demonstrates what neighbouring countries can achieve through cooperation, strengthening infrastructure connectivity, unlocking economic opportunities and accelerating shared development in our region,” said Prof Mbarawa.
ALSO READ: Ministry, PURA strategize on oil, natural gas exploration
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Transport and Communications of the DRC, Jean Pierre Bemba, said the agreement will facilitate the transportation of cargo destined for the DRC via Tanzania’s transport network.
He added that the 300 million US dollar project will enhance trade and economic cooperation between the two countries while improving cargo efficiency along the Central Corridor.
To cement its position as a regional transport and logistics hub, Tanzania has set aside 502 hectares for the Kwala Dry Port nearly five times the size of the Dar es Salaam Port. Located 90km from Dar es Salaam harbour and 15km from the Dar es Salaam-Morogoro Highway, the port includes 45 hectares allocated to the DRC.
The Kwala Dry Port has the capacity to handle 300,000 containers annually, about 30 per cent of all containers currently handled by the Dar es Salaam Port.
The port is designed to facilitate smooth cargo transport to and from the DRC, Zambia, Burundi, Rwanda, Malawi and Uganda, boosting the competitiveness of the Dar es Salaam Port in the region.
No comments :
Post a Comment