Since the global port operator DP World took over operations at Dar es Salaam Port’s berths 0-7 in April 2024, Tanzania has seen substantial progress in revenue generation, efficiency, and overall port management.
Minister of State in the President’s Office for Planning and Investment, Prof. Kitila Mkumbo, recently highlighted these achievements while presenting the 2025/26 National Development Plan in Parliament.
From April to September 2024, the government collected 325.3 billion Tanzanian shillings through agreements between Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) and DP World, including fees for land rent, royalties, and wharfage.
This revenue is now fueling significant infrastructure projects such as the construction of a Single Buoy Mooring, Mgao Island Port in Mtwara, and Dhow Wharves in Dar es Salaam, worth a combined 1.92 trillion shillings.
Since DP World took over, ship waiting times at anchor have drastically decreased—from an average of 46 days in May 2024 to seven days overall, and zero wait time for container ships specifically.
Bulk carriers now wait an average of 12 days, while general cargo ships wait around 10 days. Enhanced equipment such as Sea-to-Shore Gantry Cranes (SSGs) and Rubber-Tyred Gantry Cranes (RTGs) have sped up cargo handling, cutting container ship turnaround time from seven days to three.
Prof. Mkumbo noted that the improved efficiency has reduced the number of ships waiting at anchor from 35 in September 2023 to 15 by September 2024.
DP World has also committed to investing 250 million US dollars over five years; within five months, it has already contributed 214.4 billion shillings (31%) for modernizing equipment, repairing TPA facilities, and establishing an advanced port management IT system. Additionally, cargo volume at the port increased by 18.6%, from 141,889 tonnes in May to 168,336 tonnes in September.
These milestones reflect the positive impact of strategic partnerships and investment in Tanzania’s port sector, positioning Dar es Salaam Port as a key driver in the nation’s economic development.