The Tanzanian government has confirmed that work to build the new port of Bagamoyo will begin in December, kick-starting a logistics megaproject that has been stalled for more than ten years due to contractual disagreements with the initial developers.
Located some 75 kilometers north of Dar es Salaam, the port is projected to be the most modern and deepest in the region. In its initial phase, it envisages the construction of 14 berths, although it is expected to have a total of 28 berths. The infrastructure will be able to receive vessels with a capacity of up to 25,000 containers, far exceeding the capacity of current ports in East Africa.
The port of Bagamoyo as a logistical hub
The project is part of a special economic zone that will include industrial parks and railroads. railroads and highways and roads to connect the port with the country’s interior and neighboring nations. The objective is to turn Bagamoyo into a trade and manufacturing hub for the entire region.
According to government spokesman Gerson Msigwa, machinery is already on its way and preliminary works will be ready to start before the end of the year. Although the updated amount of the project and the contractors in charge were not disclosed, the original plan called for an investment of US$10 billion.
A renegotiated agreement
The port was initially conceived in 2013 with participation from China Merchants Holdings International and the General Reserve Fund of the State of Oman. However, the previous administration considered the terms of the agreement to be unfavorable to national interests, which stalled its implementation.
After assuming the presidency in 2021, Samia Suluhu Hassan reactivated the negotiations, prioritizing the attraction of investments and the strengthening of the logistics infrastructure infrastructure. This restart marks a change of direction in Tanzania’s trade strategy.
Development prospects
With a depth of up to 20 meters and a design oriented to receive large vessels with deep-draft vessels, the port seeks to position itself as East Africa’sThe port seeks to position itself as East Africa’s main maritime gateway. Foreign trade experts believe that its operation could reduce logistics costs and attract new industries to the region.
The expectation is that Bagamoyo will complement other ports such as Dar es Salaam and Mombasa, expanding regional capacity in the face of growing global trade with Asia and the Middle East.
Source and photo: Reuters
