The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Tanzania have officially exchanged land titles as part of a groundbreaking cross-border infrastructure deal aimed at improving regional trade and reducing customs delays.
The agreement paves the way for the construction of dry ports that will serve as key logistics hubs, easing congestion and accelerating cargo movement between the two countries.
The formal land exchange took place on June 18, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, led by DRC Transport Minister Jean-Pierre Bemba and Tanzanian Transport Minister Makame Mbarawa.
It follows a bilateral agreement signed in April 2025 to strengthen regional transport networks under the Central Corridor Transit Transport Facilitation Agency (CCTTFA) infrastructure program, which began in 2022.
As part of the deal:
The DRC granted Tanzania access to 40 hectares of land across two sites:
25 hectares in Kasenga
15 hectares in Kasumbalesa
A third site, Kasanbondo (35 hectares), was also reportedly offered by local authorities in Haut Katanga.
Tanzania allocated land to the DRC for its dry ports:
45 hectares in Kwala, near Dar es Salaam
15 hectares in Katosho, near Kigoma
These strategic land swaps allow both countries to develop customs and logistics facilities on each other’s territory, with the goal of improving cargo traceability, reducing smuggling, and streamlining the movement of goods and people.
Minister Bemba emphasized that the project is expected to attract $300 million in investment on the Tanzanian side and generate around 3,000 jobs.
The DRC also anticipates a boost in customs revenue and improved efficiency at trade borders.
The government of Haut Katanga confirmed the signing of a $300 million development contract for its dry port sites, though specific details on contractors and terms remain undisclosed.
This initiative responds to the sharp increase in trade between Tanzania and the DRC. According to Tanzania’s Ministry of Transport, freight volumes via the Port of Dar es Salaam to the DRC rose by 180% over the past four years, with total port traffic increasing from 14 million to 28 million tonnes during the same period.
The new dry ports are expected to play a crucial role in alleviating logistical bottlenecks, enhancing regional integration, and fostering economic growth across East and Central Africa.
