Massive infrastructure upgrades are redefining the operational capacity and regional relevance of the Port of Dar es Salaam, positioning it as one of East Africa’s most competitive maritime gateways.

Driven by sustained investment in modern berths, cargo handling equipment, and inland logistics linkages, the port is rapidly transforming into a high-efficiency trade hub serving both domestic and land-linked markets across East and Central Africa.

This infrastructure-led transformation is already delivering measurable results. In the 2024/25 financial year, the port recorded its highest cargo throughput in history, handling 27.7 million tonnes, a 15 per cent increase from the previous year. The growth reflects not only rising trade volumes but also improved turnaround times and operational efficiency anchored in upgraded facilities.

At the centre of this transformation is the $421 million Dar es Salaam Maritime Gateway Project, which was financed largely by the African Development Bank. The project has significantly upgraded the core port infrastructure, including deepening the harbour channel to 14.5 metres to accommodate larger vessels.

In parallel, the installation of modern gantry cranes has boosted container handling rates from 18 to 30 containers per hour. These improvements have cut vessel turnaround time from an average of 10 days to approximately three days, easing congestion and lowering costs for shipping lines.

Infrastructure gains have been reinforced by operational reforms, including the introduction of private terminal operators. DP World manages Berths 0 to 7, while Tanzania East Africa Gateway Terminal Limited oversees Berths 8 to 11.

Performance-based contracts and fixed berthing windows have improved scheduling reliability, allowing shipping lines and cargo owners to plan more efficiently.

Beyond the seaport, investment has extended to inland logistics infrastructure aimed at decongesting Dar es Salaam. The Kwala Inland Container Depot in Kibaha, connected by rail, is designed to handle more than 300,000 containers annually, equivalent to roughly 30 per cent of the port’s container traffic.

The facility is expected to accelerate cargo evacuation, reduce dwell times at the port, and minimize demurrage costs for importers.

Infrastructure development is also reshaping the port’s role in regional trade. Dar es Salaam serves as a key gateway for transit cargo destined for Zambia, Rwanda, Burundi, Malawi, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Central Corridor, linking the port to these markets through road and rail networks, has seen increased utilization, contributing to rising cargo volumes. Further gains are expected from the planned rehabilitation of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA), scheduled to begin in June 2026, which will expand rail capacity and reduce pressure on road transport.

The infrastructure push has been accompanied by regulatory adjustments. In January 2026, TPA introduced revised port tariffs under Government Notice No. 03 of 2026, affecting vessel dues, container handling charges, storage fees, and transit cargo rates.

The review process involved consultations with stakeholders, including the Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC) and the Tanzania Freight Forwarders Association (TAFFA), aligning pricing structures with the upgraded facilities and services.

Logistics firms say that while infrastructure development has improved efficiency, it has also heightened competition for port resources.

“Much of the recent growth is directly linked to infrastructure improvements, from deeper berths to faster handling equipment,” said a spokesperson from Wilmaar Logistics Ltd, a leading clearing agent in Tanzania.