Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo have set aside 120 hectares of land for the establishment of dry ports in their respective territories. The land concession agreements were initialed during bilateral meetings in Lubumbashi, DRC, on April 5, 2025.
Details of the Cross-Border Agreement
- Location of Dry Ports: Tanzania will receive land in Kasumbalesa, Kasenga, and Kalemie in the DRC, while the DRC will obtain sites in Kwala and Katosho in Tanzania.
- Objectives: The main objective is to improve cargo handling and supply chain efficiency between the two countries. This follows a significant increase in the volume of cargo transported to the DRC via the Port of Dar es Salaam, which has grown by 180% over the past four years.
- Implementation: The project will be carried out through a public-private partnership and is expected to be completed within 18 months.
- Context: This agreement is part of a broader strategy to develop transport infrastructure between the two countries, initiated in 2022.
The project is part of the Central Corridor strategy, which aims to promote regional integration through the modernization of ports and roads, and the improvement of rail and air connectivity.
Expected Impact
The creation of these dry ports is expected to significantly streamline trade between Tanzania and the DRC, notably by reducing logistics costs and improving the speed of goods delivery. This could also stimulate economic activity in the affected regions and strengthen regional integration.
The development of this infrastructure is expected to generate a significant number of direct and indirect jobs. For example, the Kasumbalesa dry port in the DRC is expected to create approximately 2,000 direct jobs and 5,000 indirect jobs.
Dry ports will stimulate local economic activity by attracting investment and promoting the development of surrounding areas. This could lead to increased urbanization and improved living conditions.
Successful Examples of Dry Ports in Africa
These examples illustrate how dry ports can be effective tools for improving logistics efficiency, stimulating the local economy, and strengthening regional competitiveness.
Agadir Dry Port, Morocco
This 1.4 billion dirham project is expected to create 10,000 jobs and aims to transform Agadir into a global logistics hub. It simplifies customs formalities and optimizes the delivery of goods to seaports.
Dakar Dry Port, Sénégal
CMA CGM has installed several dozen refrigerated container receptacles at its dry port in Dakar, facilitating the export of market garden produce to Europe. This demonstrates how dry ports can support specific economic sectors.
Adétikopé Industrial Platform (PIA), Togo
The PIA dry port was created to address congestion at the seaport and develop a logistics hub. It aims to support several economic sectors and strengthen Togo’s position as a regional hub.
