Tanzania, DR Congo ink dry port construction deal

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have concluded negotiations for the handover of land to develop dry port infrastructure in both countries as part of a broader strategy to enhance regional trade.

The Tanzanian government announced that the move follows a significant 180 percent increase in cargo destined for DRC through the Dar es Salaam Port over the past four years.

The new development highlighted the urgent need for investment in supporting infrastructure, particularly dry ports.

Speaking at the event in Lubumbashi, DRC, on Saturday, April 5, 2025, the Ministry of Transport Permanent Secretary, Prof Godius Kahyarara, described the agreement as a milestone in implementing the 2022 bilateral infrastructure development pact.

Under the agreement, Tanzania will receive land for dry port development in Kasumbalesa, Kasenga, and Kalemie in DRC, while DRC will be allocated dry port sites in the Kwala Coast and Katosho (Kigoma Region) in Tanzania.

The agreement aims to improve trade and enhance cargo transport efficiency through Dar es Salaam Port.

The dry port project, which will be completed in the next 18 months, will operate under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

A significant portion of the transport system, especially for the mining sector, will be managed by private companies, with the government overseeing the remaining areas.

"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 percent," said Prof Kahyarara in a statement.

“The surge necessitated substantial investments in enabling infrastructure, including dry ports both within and outside our borders," he added.

Furthermore, he said the total cargo volume at the port has doubled from 14 million to 28 million tonnes in the past four years, creating an urgent need to expand port infrastructure.

According to him, the government’s strategy also includes increasing the number of berths and expanding ports in Kalemie (DRC), Kigoma, and Kalemie (Tanzania).

Both countries are part of the Central Corridor, a regional trade and transport route that links seven countries.

The main objective is to facilitate the movement of goods by strengthening road, railway, water, and air transport infrastructure.