Dar es Salaam. In a move signaling Tanzania’s growing efforts to modernize its trade infrastructure and attract global capital, Treasury Registrar Nehemiah Mchechu on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, led high-level discussions with the Chief Executive Officer of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), Mr Soren Toft, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Held on the sidelines of the Africa CEO Forum, the talks centered on potential strategic investments by MSC — a Geneva-based global shipping leader — in Tanzania’s key maritime gateways: the Dar es Salaam Port and the Mangapwani Port in Zanzibar.
The ports are not only critical to Tanzania’s own economy but also serve as vital logistical corridors for landlocked neighboring countries.
Enhancing their efficiency, capacity, and connectivity is seen as central to regional trade integration and economic resilience.
MSC’s interest comes at a time when global shipping companies are increasingly seeking footholds in fast-growing African markets, where infrastructure bottlenecks often hinder the full potential of trade flows.
According to sources familiar with the talks, MSC expressed a strong commitment to partnering with Tanzania in developing modern port infrastructure capable of handling increased volumes and supporting long-term economic growth.
The involvement of MSC — the world’s largest container shipping line by capacity — would bring not only capital, but also operational expertise and global networks.
The Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC), represented by Director of Finance and Administration Mr Pascal Maganga, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering a conducive investment climate.
He assured MSC of strong institutional support to ensure a smooth and successful rollout of any investment projects.
Analysts see this engagement as a continuation of Tanzania’s broader strategy to position itself as a trade and logistics hub for East and Central Africa.
With regional economies pushing for industrialization and export growth, investment in port infrastructure is no longer optional — it is foundational.
Mr Toft echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the strategic importance of Dar es Salaam and Mangapwani in connecting East Africa to global shipping lanes.
Strengthening those links, he noted, is key to unlocking economic opportunities across the region.
By engaging with a top-tier international logistics player, Tanzania is sending a strong message: the country is open for business — and serious about infrastructure-led growth.
