What You Need to Know
The Tanzanian government is advancing plans to build inland dry ports to alleviate traffic congestion in Dar es Salaam and improve cargo handling. The initiative, led by the Tanzania Ports Authority and Tanzania Railways Corporation, aims to establish logistics hubs in Morogoro and Dodoma, enhancing cargo distribution and efficiency.
Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE government is accelerating plans to construct inland dry ports in a strategic move aimed at reducing traffic congestion in Dar es Salaam and improving cargo handling efficiency.
The initiative, being implemented through the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) and the Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC), will see key logistics hubs established in regions such as Morogoro and Dodoma.
Speaking in Dar es Salaam, Acting Assistant Director of Road Services in the Ministry of Transport, Mr Andrew Magombana, said the projects will transform cargo distribution by shifting bulk transportation away from the congested city centre.
He noted that additional transport hubs are under development in Malindi and Bahi District.
“Once completed, these facilities will enable cargo to be transported directly from inland centres, significantly reducing congestion in Dar es Salaam and improving delivery timelines,” he said.
Mr Magombana highlighted that the already completed Kwala Dry Port has demonstrated the effectiveness of the model by easing truck congestion and enhancing logistics efficiency.
He commended the Tanzania Road Freight Association (TRFA) for supporting cargo transportation from the facility.
Tanzania, he said, continues to play a strategic role as a logistics gateway for more than eight neighbouring countries through its central, southern and northern transport corridors.
Statistics show that Tanzanian ports handled 19.9 million tonnes of cargo between July and December 2025, with projections indicating over 40 million tonnes by the end of the financial year, surpassing earlier targets.
The government is also implementing the Kurasini Logistics Centre, whose first phase can handle 37,000 containers, further easing pressure on Dar port operations.
TRFA Chief Executive Officer, Mr Hussein Wandwi, said the association has grown rapidly since its establishment in 2022, now boasting over 550 members.
He noted that the association aims to promote efficiency, safety and competitiveness in the road transport sector while contributing to economic growth
Tanzania has long been a vital logistics hub for East Africa, serving as a gateway for landlocked neighboring countries. The development of dry ports is part of a broader strategy to enhance the efficiency of cargo transport and reduce congestion in urban areas, particularly in Dar es Salaam, which has faced significant traffic challenges due to its strategic port operations. The establishment of these inland facilities is expected to streamline logistics and support economic growth in the region.
