DRC hails Tanzania’s Kwala Dry Port as a game-changer for regional trade
What you need to know:
- Tanzania and DRC share growing cooperation in the transport sector, coordinated through the Central Corridor agency.
Dar es Salaam. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Transport and Channels of Communication of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Mr Jean-Pierre Bemba, has applauded Tanzania’s transport infrastructure expansion, describing the newly inaugurated Kwala Dry Port as a symbol of regional integration and economic cooperation.
Speaking during the launch event, Mr Bemba conveyed appreciation on behalf of DRC President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi, emphasising the strategic importance of the dry port for facilitating the movement of Congolese cargo through Tanzania.
“The Kwala hub reflects Tanzania’s strong commitment to regional development through strategic investment,” he said.
Mr Bemba highlighted existing bilateral frameworks underpinning Tanzania–DRC cooperation, including the June 7, 2024 bilateral agreement signed in Lubumbashi and the July 19, 2022 Memorandum of Understanding signed in Kalemie, both focused on developing dry ports in Kwala and Katosho (Kigoma).
He noted that the DRC government, is finalising the procurement process to engage a private investor who will develop and operate the Congolese dry port facilities in 45 hectares of land at Kwala and 50 hectares at Katosho.
“The dry ports will help fight smuggling, improve the traceability of Congolese cargo, and create jobs in both countries. We expect to significantly cut customs clearance times and enhance the free movement of goods and people,” said Mr Bemba.
He further revealed that during the 14th Ordinary Meeting of the Inter-State Council of Ministers of the Central Corridor held on June 18, 2025, DRC and Tanzania exchanged title deeds for land dedicated to the development of respective dry ports.
Mr Bemba also extended an invitation from President Tshisekedi to President Samia to co-chair the groundbreaking ceremony for DRC’s dry port construction in Tanzania, once contract signing and technical preparations are complete.
“Tanzania and DRC share growing cooperation in the transport sector, coordinated through the Central Corridor agency. This momentum will deepen economic integration and trade growth across the region,” he added.
