The Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) has been tasked with generating Sh1.38 trillion (over $511 million) in revenue for the 2025/26 financial year, as part of the government’s ambitious strategy to expand and modernize the country’s seaports and inland waterways. This target reflects the central role TPA will play in driving economic growth through improved port infrastructure and increased efficiency in maritime trade.
Transport Minister Prof Makame Mbarawa, presenting the ministry’s budget in Parliament, detailed plans to handle over 6,300 vessels and 33 million tonnes of cargo across ports like Dar es Salaam, Tanga, Mtwara, and those on Lakes Victoria, Tanganyika, and Nyasa. This includes 1,382 deep-sea ships with a gross registered tonnage of 42.1 million and 1.3 million TEUs, primarily at Dar es Salaam, Tanga, and Mtwara.
Dar es Salaam, handling 98% of Tanzania’s external trade, is central to the strategy. Its cargo throughput is projected to grow from 23 million to 30 million tonnes by 2030. To support this, the government will add 10 new berths, increasing the total to 22, and shift to 24-hour operations to reduce vessel turnaround time. A Single Receiving Terminal with 15 oil tanks, upgraded cargo facilities at Kurasini, and enhanced rail links via SGR and TAZARA are also planned.
To ease congestion, the Kwala Dry Port in Pwani will expand for customs and logistics, and construction of the Ihumwa Dry Port in Dodoma will start post-feasibility study. A Sh 600 billion investment will upgrade the MGR railway and build a new line from Mpanda to Karema Port on Lake Tanganyika, boosting trade with the DRC.
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The government has approved the Bagamoyo megaport, designed for post-Panamax vessels. It will feature a 100-km railway to Kwala Dry Port and support Bagamoyo’s Special Economic Zone. In Tanga, Berth No. 3 for containers and petroleum infrastructure at Raskazone will advance, alongside expanded storage at Mwambani. Mtwara will see the new Kisiwa Mgao Port for coal and cement, with improved road access.
Inland, Kigoma and Karema ports on Lake Tanganyika will be upgraded, and four 2,000-tonne cargo ships will be built via public-private partnerships to serve DRC’s mining logistics.
On Lake Victoria, Bukoba, Mwanza North, and South ports will be enhanced for the new MV Mwanza ferry. Mbamba Bay Port on Lake Nyasa will continue development to boost trade with Malawi and Mozambique.
