New investment in ports, rail, roads and Lake Tanganyika transport aims to lower logistics costs and strengthen trade between East and Central Africa.
Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are moving to deepen trade ties through new investment in ports, railways, roads and lake transport, as the two countries seek to reduce logistics costs across the Central Corridor.
The push follows talks between Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and DRC President Félix Tshisekedi in Zanzibar on August 18. Bilateral trade is currently worth around TSh794 billion (USD 300 million), while more than 60% of cargo handled at the Port of Dar es Salaam is destined for the DRC, according to The Citizen.
Central Corridor Takes Priority
A major focus is an integrated multimodal transport system connecting Dar es Salaam with markets in eastern DRC through rail, road and Lake Tanganyika.
“This project is of great importance in connecting ports, railways, roads and water transport,” Hassan said, adding that the project should reduce cargo costs and transit times.
Tanzania currently has four vessels operating on Lake Tanganyika, with another four under construction. The Guardian reports that the countries are also focusing on the Kalemie–Manono road and transport infrastructure connecting Tanzania’s ports with the DRC.
Transport Minister Prof Makame Mbarawa has separately said private maritime investment would strengthen commercial transport on the lake, arguing that “international trade across Lake Tanganyika will be boosted”.
Trade Barriers Also in Focus
Infrastructure alone will not determine whether trade expands. Tanzania and the DRC also agreed to tackle non-tariff barriers, improve border services and increase private-sector participation.
The discussions covered port development, lake transport, the gradual interconnection of railway networks and a cross-border fibre-optic backbone, according to The EastAfrican.
Dar es Salaam-based economist and investment banker Dr Hildebrand Shayo told Tanzania Insight that Tanzania has “a strong opportunity to translate existing political connections into deeper economic cooperation.”
Dr Innocent Shoo of the Dr Salim Ahmed Salim Centre for Foreign Relations added that “regional stability and economic integration are closely linked.”
Minerals and Value Addition
Mining is another central part of the partnership. The countries intend to cooperate on mineral extraction, processing, research and marketing, while discussions have also covered critical minerals and energy.
Tshisekedi argued that better infrastructure is essential if African countries are to turn their natural resources into wider economic development.
“We need infrastructure that is improved, such as roads and ports,” he said.
For Tanzania, stronger links with the DRC could further establish Dar es Salaam and the Central Corridor as a gateway between the Indian Ocean and Central Africa. For the DRC, the projects offer a route towards cheaper logistics, improved port access and greater regional value addition.
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