Tanzania is set to complete its first major fishing port in 2025, a development that promises to significantly enhance the nation’s deep-sea fishing capabilities. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, who informed the parliament that the construction of the port, located in Kilwa Masoko along the Indian Ocean, has progressed to 42 percent.
The project, undertaken by China Harbour Engineering Company, is a substantial economic endeavour with an estimated cost of $111.5 million. It has already had a positive impact on local employment, with the Tanzania Ports Authority reporting that over 400 local jobs have been created through the construction process.
Upon completion, the port is expected to be a state-of-the-art facility, equipped with advanced infrastructure including two cold storage warehouses with a total capacity of nearly 1,400 tonnes. These facilities are designed to accommodate frozen and refrigerated fish, supporting the port’s significant anticipated annual fish production capacity of at least 60,000 tonnes. The new port will also feature a dedicated fish processing area, a modern ship construction facility, a workshop for producing fishing nets, and ample parking space for both large fishing vessels and smaller boats.
The establishment of the port is anticipated to have a substantial impact on Tanzania’s fishing industry, enhancing the country’s capacity to meet domestic demand and expand its presence in continental and international fish markets. Moreover, the government is considering a public-private partnership (PPP) model to attract further investment in the fishing sector, particularly in the operations and development of the port.
The socio-economic implications of the port are significant, with the potential to create over 30,000 jobs, thereby addressing employment challenges in the region. This is noteworthy considering the existing employment of over 4.5 million people in Tanzania’s fishing sector, as per official data.
World Bank statistics reveal that Tanzania produced over 621,000 tonnes of fish in 2021, with inland fishing accounting for more than 80% of the national supply. However, the new port is expected to shift this balance significantly in favour of maritime fishing.
With the completion of the fishing port in 2025, Tanzania is on the verge of transforming its fishing landscape. The project is not only anticipated to boost the maritime fishing capabilities but also to stimulate economic growth and provide thousands of employment opportunities, marking a significant leap in the nation’s fishing industry development.
