Cargo throughput rose from 17.18m tonnes in the 2020/21 financial year to 32.75m tonnes in 2024/25, while the number of vessels handled increased from 4,301 to 4,888 over the same period.

The gains were outlined by Josephat Lukindo, TPA’s manager for port operations coordination, during a public-private dialogue conference in Dar es Salaam organised by the Tanzania Shipping Agencies Association.

“The improved efficiency reflects major infrastructure investments undertaken by the government through TPA, alongside increased private sector participation,” Lukindo said.

Key partnerships include agreements with global ports operator DP World and Tanzania East Africa Gateway Terminal Limited (TEAGTL), which have helped modernise container handling at the Port of Dar es Salaam.

Improvements include the construction of a new berth, dredging works that deepened berths one to seven to 14.75 metres, and upgrades to access channels and turning basins, enabling the port to accommodate larger vessels.

At Dar es Salaam, DP World now handles between 25,000 and 30,000 containers per month, up from about 7,000 before its investment. TEAGTL’s monthly throughput has risen to between 70,000 and 75,000 containers, compared with about 60,000 previously.

Upgrades have also been implemented at the ports of Tanga and Mtwara, supporting regional trade and economic activity, Lukindo said.

“These changes are visible not only at the ports but also in increased economic activity across surrounding regions,” he added.

Speaking at the event, David Kafulila, director general of the Public Private Partnership Centre, urged public institutions to adopt clear PPP strategies to guide private sector engagement.

He cited TPA as one of the leading state institutions in promoting private sector participation, noting that it was among the first to develop a dedicated PPP strategy for port operations.

Looking ahead, TPA aims to handle 54.59m tonnes of cargo by the 2030/31 financial year, a target that officials say will require sustained investment and deeper collaboration between government and the private sector.

Notes to Editors

·      Tanzania’s port performance has improved significantly over the past five years, with cargo throughput rising from 17.18 million tonnes in 2020/21 to 32.75 million tonnes in 2024/25, driven by public-private partnerships and infrastructure upgrades.

·      Strategic partnerships with global operators DP World and TEAGTL have modernised container handling at the Port of Dar es Salaam, including deeper berths, new infrastructure and improved vessel turnaround times.

·      The Tanzania Ports Authority aims to handle more than 54 million tonnes of cargo by 2030/31, underscoring the role of sustained investment and deeper collaboration between government and the private sector in supporting trade and economic growth.

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