By: Further Africa

The inauguration follows the signing of operational agreements between seven strategic entities: the Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC), Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA), Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC), Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), the Tanzania Shipping Agents Association (TASAA), Tanzania East Africa Gateway Terminal Ltd. (TEAGL), and UAE-based logistics giant DP World.

Designed as a high-capacity inland logistics hub, the Kwala dry port will absorb up to 30% of the cargo volume currently overwhelming Dar es Salaam port. By doing so, it aims to reduce transit bottlenecks, improve cargo turnaround times, and enhance Tanzania’s competitiveness as a regional trade facilitator.

Strategically linked to the upgraded central railway line managed by TRC, the dry port will enable the rapid inland transfer of containers to key domestic and regional markets. Landlocked countries such as Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo stand to benefit from improved access and reduced logistics costs via the Central Corridor.

According to the Ministry of Transport, the Kwala facility is a cornerstone of Tanzania’s broader infrastructure strategy to build an integrated logistics ecosystem. This includes expanding port capacities, modernising rail systems with both standard and metre-gauge tracks, and developing multimodal logistics platforms that support regional trade and industrialisation.

DP World’s involvement reflects growing international confidence in Tanzania’s vision to become a logistics gateway for East and Central Africa. With the Kwala dry port now operational, the country is positioning itself as a pivotal hub for efficient cargo movement, regional connectivity, and economic growth.