The launching ceremony took place in Kigoma under the chairmanship of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. This event marked the beginning of the expansion of the port, including the construction of modern berths and the deepening of the water area.
Plasdus Mbossa, Director General of the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA), noted that the new fleet will increase the port's capacity, turning Tanzania into a logistics center for the export of minerals from the DRC, including to the Chinese market. Tanzania has signed an agreement with Zijin Mining Group Co Ltd to facilitate cargo transshipment through the port of Kigoma. This corporation owns three large mining enterprises in the DRC, the reserves of which will allow production for more than half a century.
«Infrastructure will also be built at the port of Kigoma and a 500-kilometer highway linking Manono with the port of Kalemie, optimizing cargo transportation», Mbossa said. These investments will open up a new transport route for the northeastern regions of the DRC, allowing minerals to be transported across Lake Tanganyika to Kigoma and further to Dar es Salaam. Previously, the main flow of goods went through the Tunduma border checkpoint. «The new route will provide the DRC with faster access to global markets through Tanzania», he said.
Mbossa said that the mining holding has completed the construction of four cargo ships with a carrying capacity of 2,000 tons each. It is also planned to commission two more vessels. The government is developing domestic shipbuilding capacities through the Tasac program.
The new vessels will double the number of large-tonnage vessels on Lake Tanganyika. «There are currently four large vessels operating here: three of 2,000 tons and one of 3,000 tons. The commissioning of four more vessels will expand the fleet to eight, speeding up cargo delivery between the DRC, Tanzania and other destinations», he commented.
The authorities are also modernizing the port of Kigoma to handle increased cargo turnover. The reconstruction of the 310-meter embankment is on schedule. The construction covers 190 meters, the remaining 120 meters continue to function. The port's capacity will increase from 800,000 to 2 million tons. The water area will be deepened to six meters, which will allow safe mooring of large vessels. A 170-meter passenger terminal is also under construction, capable of accommodating up to 400 passengers. The construction is scheduled to be completed in 2027.
The Minister of Transport, Professor Makame Mbarawa, said that the commissioning of the vessels is part of the government's strategy to upgrade water transport and exploit trade potential with neighboring countries. The vessels built by Golden Logistics Company Limited optimize cargo transportation between Tanzania and the DRC, as well as other coastal states of Lake Tanganyika.
Professor Mbarava said that the authorities are promoting the construction of a shipyard. «The general contractor has been identified and received an advance of 24.2 billion shillings ($8.8 million); another 24.2 billion shillings will be transferred upon completion of the work», the minister said. A contractor has also been selected to build an additional 3,000-ton cargo vessel for the Kigoma-DRC route; documents are being prepared for an advance payment.
The investments will create jobs for Tanzanians, boost economic activity in the Kigoma, Katawi and Rukwa regions, and increase government revenue through increased transportation services and cross-border trade.
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