Rwandan Cargo Volume Through Dar es Salaam Port Increases 24%
Improvements at Tanzania's Dar es Salaam Port and along transport corridors are leading to a significant rise in cargo volume destined for Rwanda, indicating a shift in regional trade routes.
Improvements at Tanzania's Dar es Salaam Port and along transport corridors are leading to a significant rise in cargo volume destined for Rwanda, indicating a shift in regional trade routes.
· Updated
The volume of cargo bound for Rwanda passing through Tanzania's Dar es Salaam Port has seen a 24% increase, reaching 2.18 million tonnes in the 2025/26 financial year. This rise is attributed to ongoing improvements at the port and along the broader transport corridor, making it a more attractive route for Rwandan businesses.
Overall transit cargo through Dar es Salaam Port grew by 17% to 14.61 million tonnes during the same period. The Democratic Republic of Congo remains the largest transit market, with its cargo volume increasing by 30% to 7.77 million tonnes, while Zambia accounted for 3.41 million tonnes.
Enhancements at the port include a reduction in average container-vessel time at berth, falling from approximately 10 days in 2020/21 to around three days in 2024/25. Terminal 1, operated by DP World, has reported discharge times falling from over 300 hours to less than 28 hours since April 2024, following a $123 million investment by the company.
Inland, Tanzania is developing its infrastructure, including commercial freight services on the Standard Gauge Railway and the Kwala dry port. Road infrastructure is also being upgraded, such as widening the approach to the Tunduma border crossing to four lanes to ease congestion.
The increased efficiency at Dar es Salaam Port and along the transport routes offers Rwandan importers and exporters more competitive options. However, the competition among regional trade corridors remains dynamic, with factors like trucking costs, rail availability, and border procedures playing a crucial role in route selection.
FAQ
What is the total increase in cargo volume through Dar es Salaam Port?
Transit cargo through Dar es Salaam Port rose by 17% to 14.61 million tonnes in the 2025/26 financial year.
What investments have been made at Dar es Salaam Port?
DP World has invested $123 million in the port, including equipment, infrastructure, and technology, and has commissioned eight new cranes to improve container handling.
