Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have agreed to allocate land within their respective territories for the development of crucial dry port infrastructure. This significant move is aimed at bolstering regional trade and streamlining cargo transport.
The initiative follows a remarkable 180 percent surge in cargo destined for the DRC passing through Tanzania's Dar es Salaam port over the past four years, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced logistical capabilities.
The agreement, a direct outcome of a memorandum of understanding signed in 2022 by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, signifies a deepening commitment to improving transport infrastructure across both nations.
Speaking at an event in Lubumbashi, Tanzania's Ministry of Transport Permanent Secretary, Godius Kahyarara, hailed the agreement as a pivotal step in realizing the goals of their bilateral infrastructure development pact. He highlighted the DRC's position as the largest user of the Dar es Salaam port among neighboring countries, noting that significant reforms implemented by the Tanzanian government had fueled the dramatic increase in cargo volumes. Kahyarara also pointed out that the total cargo handled by the port had doubled in the last four years, rising from 14 million to 28 million tonnes, necessitating substantial investment in supporting infrastructure like dry ports.
Under the terms of the agreement, Tanzania will gain access to land in strategic locations within the DRC, including Kasumbalesa, Kasenga, and Kalemie, for the development of dry port facilities. In return, the DRC will be allocated land in Tanzania's Kwala Coast and Katosho, situated in the Kigoma region.
The ambitious dry port development project is slated for completion within the next 18 months and will operate under a public-private partnership framework. This model will see private sector companies taking the lead in managing a significant portion of the transport system, particularly catering to the needs of the mining sector, while the respective governments will maintain oversight in other crucial areas.
This collaborative effort forms part of the broader Central Corridor strategy, a vital regional trade and transport artery connecting seven countries in the region. The overarching objective of the project is to significantly strengthen road, railway, water, and air transport infrastructure, thereby facilitating a more efficient flow of goods between Tanzania and the DRC, as well as throughout the wider region. According to The Eastleigh Voice, this enhanced connectivity is expected to contribute significantly to greater economic cooperation and overall trade efficiency between the two nations.