Tanzania, DRC sign dry port deal to boost regional trade
New infrastructure to ease cargo flow between the two neighbours
TANZANIA/DRC – Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have signed an agreement to develop dry ports in both countries, aiming to strengthen trade and improve cargo logistics across the region.
The agreement was signed on Saturday in Lubumbashi, DRC, and lays out plans for both nations to provide land for the construction of dry port facilities.
These ports are expected to improve cargo handling and increase the speed and efficiency of freight movement.
Godious Kahyarara, Permanent Secretary in Tanzania’s Ministry of Transport, said the deal is a direct response to rising demand, noting that cargo volumes destined for the DRC via Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam port have jumped by 180 percent over the past four years.
“This initiative follows a 180 per cent surge in cargo volumes destined for the DRC via the Dar es Salaam port over the past four years,” Kahyarara stated.
He described the agreement as a key step in implementing the 2022 bilateral infrastructure development pact between the two countries. That deal set the stage for deeper cooperation in cross-border logistics, including transport and trade systems.
Strategic locations announced
As part of the agreement, Tanzania will receive land in the DRC to set up dry ports in Kasumbalesa, Kasenga, and Kalemie—locations that serve as important trade and transport hubs near the border and inland routes.
In exchange, the DRC will be allocated land in Kwala and Katosho, areas within Tanzania that are being developed as major logistics and trade centres.
Kahyarara said the construction and operation of these dry ports will be carried out under a public-private partnership model, allowing both governments to work closely with private investors to deliver the infrastructure.
“The dry port project, which will be implemented under a public-private partnership model, is expected to be completed within 18 months,” he said.
Improving trade efficiency
Dry ports act as inland cargo terminals connected by road or rail to seaports. Their development is expected to reduce congestion at the Dar es Salaam port and cut transit times for goods moving into the DRC. This will also lower the cost of transport for traders and make the region more competitive in global trade.
The move reflects growing economic ties between Tanzania and the DRC, which rely heavily on each other for access to trade corridors and port services.
As volumes of cargo passing through the region increase, both governments are working to improve infrastructure and ease movement of goods.
With construction expected to start soon, officials say the project will bring lasting benefits to businesses and communities that depend on efficient trade routes between the two countries.
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