What You Need to Know
Tanzania’s Transport Deputy Minister, David Kihenzile, visited the Port of Durban to evaluate its operations and infrastructure investments. He highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in improving port efficiency and noted Tanzania’s ongoing efforts to enhance its own port and railway systems, aiming to strengthen its role as a key transport hub in East and Central Africa.
Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE Tanzanian Transport Deputy Minister, David Kihenzile, has visited the Port of Durban to assess its operations and observe major infrastructure investments at one of Africa’s leading container ports.
The Port of Durban has 58 berths handling various types of cargo, including containers, vehicles, break bulk, dry bulk, and passengers. Annually, the port handles approximately 2.6 million TEUs of containerized cargo, 13 million tonnes of dry bulk, 4.6 million tonnes of break bulk, 560,000 vehicles, and about 22 million kilolitres of liquid bulk.
Speaking after the visit on March 20, 2026, Minister Kihenzile expressed satisfaction with the scale of investment in port and rail infrastructure, noting that collaboration between the public and private sectors has significantly improved operational efficiency.
He cited a 25-year concession agreement between the port and ICTSI, which began in January 2026 for the operation of Pier 2. The agreement aims to double container handling capacity (TEUs) and significantly increase operational speed at the port.
The minister noted that this model demonstrates the critical role of private sector participation in enhancing port performance. He added that Tanzania is already benefiting from similar arrangements through companies such as DP World and Adani Ports (through TEAGTL/TICTS), which are involved in managing parts of the country’s port infrastructure.
He further explained that these efforts are aligned with ongoing government investments in railway infrastructure, including the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), Meter Gauge Railway (MGR), and TAZARA, aimed at improving cargo handling, evacuation, and transportation efficiency.
The minister concluded by stating that the Port of Dar es Salaam continues to strengthen its position as a competitive gateway for East and Central Africa, with public-private partnerships delivering increasingly positive results in the transport sector.
The Port of Durban is a critical asset for South Africa, known for its extensive capacity and efficiency in handling various cargo types. With significant investments and a strong public-private partnership model, it serves as a benchmark for other ports in Africa. Tanzania, recognizing the need for improved infrastructure, is looking to adopt similar practices to enhance its own port operations and overall transport efficiency. The collaboration between the public and private sectors is seen as essential for achieving these goals, particularly in the context of increasing trade and economic growth in the region.
