The Government of Tanzania, through the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA), has unveiled a €15 million, four-year project funded by the European Union to revolutionize the Dar es Salaam Port, enhance trade facilitation, and improve urban mobility across East and Central Africa’s trade corridors.
Implemented by TradeMark Africa (TMA), the Port of Antwerp, and UN-Habitat, with management support from Enabel, the project aims to tackle persistent inefficiencies hindering the port’s performance.
As a critical gateway for Tanzania and its landlocked neighbors, the Dar es Salaam Port plays a pivotal role in regional trade. However, operational challenges and barriers have limited its efficiency.
This initiative addresses these issues through an integrated approach focusing on port optimization, trade facilitation, and urban mobility improvements.
At the signing ceremony held at the TPA Headquarters on December 11, 2024, high-level representatives from the European Union, TPA, and the Ministries of Transport and Finance pledged their commitment to the project. Plasduce Mbossa, TPA Director General, praised the partnership.
“We commend this collaboration aimed at enhancing the performance of the Port of Dar es Salaam. We are confident this project will deliver transformative results, improving the port’s operations and efficiency. Our gratitude goes to the European Union for funding this vital initiative.”
The project is structured around three core pillars:
Port Optimization: Led by the Port of Antwerp, this pillar focuses on improving operational efficiency to ensure smoother trade flows.
Trade Facilitation: Spearheaded by TradeMark Africa, this component targets the elimination of trade barriers, digitization of customs processes, system integration, and enhanced infrastructure for perishables. With €4.2 million allocated, it aims to reduce the time and cost of goods movement.
Urban Mobility: Overseen by UN-Habitat, this pillar addresses efficient movement of goods and people in the port’s vicinity, enhancing trade logistics.
Hans Stausboll, Acting Director Africa at the European Union, highlighted the broader impact of the project.
“This initiative underscores the power of partnerships in driving impactful reforms. By enhancing corridor efficiencies, we expect significant improvements in trade flows and economic growth.”
Elibariki Shammy, TMA Country Director, described the project as a milestone in creating an efficient and inclusive trade ecosystem.
“By addressing barriers and embracing digitization, this initiative will unlock the full potential of the Dar and Central Corridors, driving regional economic growth and shared prosperity.”
This collaborative effort marks a significant step toward regional integration, boosting competitiveness, and fostering sustainable economic growth across East Africa.
