Tanzania, DRC to allocate land within each other's territories for development of dry ports

In a move set to enhance regional trade, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have reached an agreement to develop dry port infrastructure aimed at improving cargo transport efficiency between the two nations, following a sharp increase in trade activity through the Dar es Salaam port.

The agreement comes after a significant 180 per cent surge in cargo destined for DRC through the Tanzanian port over the past four years, highlighting the urgent need for investment in supporting infrastructure, particularly dry ports.

The new deal is a direct result of a 2022 memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, which laid the groundwork for enhancing transport infrastructure across both countries.

Speaking during an event in Lubumbashi, DRC, on Saturday, Tanzania’s Ministry of Transport Permanent Secretary Godius Kahyarara described the agreement as a major milestone in the implementation of the bilateral infrastructure development pact.

“Currently, the DRC is the largest user of Dar es Salaam port among neighbouring countries. Following reforms implemented by the sixth-phase government, cargo destined for the DRC has increased by more than 180 per cent,” Kahyarara said.

He also noted that the total cargo volume at the port has doubled in the past four years, rising from 14 million tonnes to 28 million tonnes.

“This surge necessitated substantial investments in enabling infrastructure, including dry ports both within and outside our borders,” he said.

According to The Citizen, under the agreement, Tanzania will be allocated land in Kasumbalesa, Kasenga and Kalemie in DRC for the development of dry ports, while DRC will be granted land in Tanzania’s Kwala Coast and Katosho, located in the Kigoma region.

The dry port development project, which is set to be completed within 18 months, will operate under a public-private partnership model, with private companies managing a significant portion of the transport system, particularly for the mining sector, while the governments will oversee other areas.

The initiative is part of the broader Central Corridor strategy, a regional trade and transport route that connects seven countries.

The project aims to strengthen road, railway, water and air transport infrastructure to improve the flow of goods between the two nations and throughout the region, contributing to greater economic cooperation and trade efficiency.

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• DRC to allocate land within each other's territories for development of dry ports