Tanzania is turning to technology, research and private investment to unlock the economic potential of its oceans, lakes and rivers, with the Port of Dar es Salaam emerging as a testing ground for the country’s digital maritime ambitions.

The government says the transformation is necessary if Tanzania and the wider African continent are to convert vast water resources into jobs, food security, trade and new investment opportunities.

Minister of State in the Vice-President’s Office, Union Affairs and Environment Hamad Yussuf Masauni said Africa could no longer afford to treat its oceans and other water bodies merely as natural resources.

“Modern blue economy development requires more than natural resources. It requires the ability to transform those resources into real economic opportunities through science, technology, innovation, investment and collaboration,” Mr Masauni said.

He was speaking on Monday on behalf of Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi at the opening of the Fifth International Blue Economy Conference at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre in Dar es Salaam.

The three-day conference, which runs until Wednesday, has brought together policymakers, researchers, investors, and industry stakeholders to explore ways to accelerate the continent’s blue economy.

The push for digitization is already taking shape at Dar es Salaam Port, where new systems are being deployed to improve the movement of ships and cargo.

In 2025, Tanzania East Africa Gateway Terminal Limited introduced a digital operating system covering services at berths 7 to 11. The system enables service providers to track vessels and trace containers from arrival and discharge to their final destinations.

The Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) has also upgraded its Terminal Operating System as the government works with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and other partners to establish a Maritime Single Window for the port.

The proposed platform is expected to provide a single channel for exchanging information among agencies involved in the arrival, stay, and departure of ships, potentially reducing paperwork, processing delays, and the cost of doing business.

Tanzania hosted a regional workshop in April involving 12 African countries on Maritime Single Windows and Port Community Systems, highlighting the growing push to digitize ports and trade corridors across the continent.

Mr Masauni said technology must, however, be matched with investment in research and human capital if the blue economy is to generate lasting economic benefits. He urged the private sector to explore emerging opportunities including blue carbon trading, marine biotechnology, value addition to marine products and logistics services.

Transport Deputy Minister David Kihenzele said Tanzania’s geographical position gave it considerable potential to expand its blue economy. The country has a 1,424-kilometre coastline and major inland water bodies, including Lake Tanganyika, which support fishing, transport, tourism, and other economic activities.

“The blue economy is an important pillar of national development because of the opportunities available in the sea, lakes, rivers and coastal areas,” Mr Kihenzele said.

He said the government was working to create an enabling environment for the sustainable utilization of water resources while ensuring that they remain available for future generations.

The government is also reviewing laws and regulations that could constrain investment in natural resources.