Dodoma. The Tanzanian government has dismissed claims circulating on social media that a Saudi Arabian company has been granted rights to develop and operate the Bagamoyo Port, saying that no such agreement has been made.
In an official statement released on Friday, February 14, the government said that the Bagamoyo Special Economic Zone (BSEZ), a key initiative under the Five-Year Development Plan (FYDP III) 2021/22 – 2025/26, remains in various stages of implementation.
The project includes the development of the Bagamoyo Port, industrial parks, an ICT Park, free trade zones, and a railway station.
The project is to be implemented under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, ensuring collaboration between public and private sector entities.
“The reports alleging that a Saudi Arabian company has been granted the rights to develop and operate Bagamoyo Port are entirely false,” the statement signed by the minister of State in the President’s Office [Planning and Investment], Prof Kitila Mkumbo, reads in part.
The statement added that the government remains committed to transparency and will continue updating the public on all developments related to the BSEZ.
The statement clarified that while both local and international investors have expressed interest in participating in different components of the BSEZ, no formal commitments have been finalised.
“While investors are currently engaged in negotiations with respective government entities, we wish to clarify that no formal commitment or contractual agreement has been made with any investor at this stage,” Prof Mkumbo said in the statement.
Bagamoyo Port is regarded as a strategic infrastructure project aimed at bolstering Tanzania’s position as a regional trade and logistics hub.
The government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all investments in the project align with national development goals.
