Ireland’s Minister of State for International Development and the Diaspora, Honourable Neale Richmond, toured the Port of Dar es Salaam today reinforcing Ireland’s commitment to strengthening Tanzania’s trade infrastructure and deepening economic ties. Accompanied by senior officials from the Government of Ireland and the Irish Embassy, the Minister engaged with Tanzanian port authorities and trade stakeholders, assessing the impact of Ireland-backed trade facilitation initiatives and exploring opportunities for further collaboration.
Minister Richmond’s visit focused on the tangible outcomes of Ireland’s partnership with TradeMark Africa, which has accelerated cargo clearance, improved port efficiency, and attracted investment in infrastructure. These efforts have enhanced trade flows, strengthened regional supply chains, and positioned Tanzania as a competitive trade hub for East and Central Africa.
The Port of Dar es Salaam plays a critical role in regional trade, handling 95 per cent of Tanzania’s cargo traffic and serving as a primary trade gateway for landlocked countries including Zambia, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In the fiscal year 2022/23, the port handled 21.46 million tonnes of cargo, surpassing its projected target of 19.6 million tonnes, underpinning its importance to economic activity in the region. However, past inefficiencies resulted in high trade costs, with reports estimating that improving port efficiency could save Tanzanian households an average of $147 per year, equivalent to 8.5 per cent of total expenditures (World Bank, 2023). These inefficiencies not only increased costs for consumers but also reduced the competitiveness of Tanzanian businesses in the global market.
A major highlight of the visit was an inspection of the Smart Gate Project, a major automation initiative aligned with Tanzania’s broader digital trade strategy. The project introduced advanced identification technology at Gates 5 and 8, enabling instant verification of drivers, containers, and vehicles to improve export, transit, and Inland Container Depot procedures. By reducing congestion and enhancing security, the initiative optimised trade flows, lowered costs, and strengthened Tanzania’s competitiveness in global markets.
Minister Richmond also toured port expansion projects that followed an Ireland-funded feasibility study, which informed investment in berth deepening, a new container terminal, and road improvements at access points. These interventions shortened truck turnaround times, increased cargo handling capacity, and enhanced operational efficiency.
Strategic investments have yielded strong results, with the port’s container handling capacity increasing by 66 per cent from 60,000 to 100,000 containers per month as of October 2024 (Tanzania Invest, 2024). Additionally, operational efficiencies have cut ship waiting times by 57 per cent, reducing delays and improving trade flow (World Bank, 2024)
Speaking during the visit, Honourable Neale Richmond stated: Tanzania’s investment in trade infrastructure is a decisive step towards strengthening its position as a regional trade hub. Efficient ports lower the cost of doing business, improve market access, and attract investment. Ireland is committed to supporting this progress because trade is the foundation of economic growth. Stronger logistics systems mean greater competitiveness for businesses, increased revenues for governments, and tangible benefits for traders and consumers. Our partnership with Tanzania is focused on delivering practical solutions that drive long-term prosperity and regional integration.’’
TradeMark Africa’s partnership with Ireland has evolved over the years, shaping innovative programming that has improved trade logistics and infrastructure efficiency across Tanzania. From feasibility studies that guided major infrastructure investments to digital innovations that enhanced port operations, the collaboration has driven efficiency gains across Tanzania’s trade corridors. Ireland’s commitment to trade-driven economic growth has been reflected in €2.4 million in funding over two years, aimed at lowering trade costs, enhancing business competitiveness, and removing barriers to trade.
TMA’s Tanzania Country Director, Elibariki Shammy, highlighted the impact of this collaboration, stating: “The partnership between TradeMark Africa and Ireland has been instrumental in transforming Tanzania’s trade landscape. Through targeted investments in infrastructure, digital trade solutions, and efficiency enhancements, we have reduced cargo clearance times, streamlined trade flows, and increased competitiveness for Tanzanian businesses. Ireland’s commitment to these initiatives has been a crucial factor in ensuring that Tanzania’s trade reforms deliver lasting economic benefits.”
The visit reaffirmed Ireland’s long-standing commitment to trade-driven economic development in Tanzania and the broader East African region. By leveraging smart technologies, expanding trade corridors, and improving infrastructure, Ireland and Tanzania have built a trade ecosystem that enhances efficiency, fosters investment, and unlocks new opportunities for businesses.