Port expansion efforts, both underway and planned, are intensifying competition among operators as they vie for key hub status to support the growing integration of the region into global supply chains. The primary contenders in this race are Tanzania and Kenya.
Tanzania’s plans have gained significant momentum with the European Union (EU) investing EUR 15 million into the Tanzania Trade and Transport Improvement Project, which is set to launch in 2025.
According to a statement from the EU, “This project unlocks the port’s full potential as a vital hub for regional and global trade, driving economic growth.”
Substantial progress has already been made in enhancing port operations. Vessel waiting times have been dramatically reduced by 85%, falling from an average of 46 days in May 2024 to just seven days by September 2024, according to the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA).
This improvement has had tangible benefits for shipping companies. As a result of the reduced delays, the TPA reports that shipping lines have eliminated a $1,000 peak season surcharge that had previously been imposed during delays.
In 2024, container throughput at the port reached 27,000 TEUs per month, surpassing the previous peak of 15,000 TEUs.
These advancements position Tanzania as a growing contender in the regional port competition, intensifying the race for hub status in East Africa.
