Kibaha. President Samia Suluhu Hassan is expected to officiate the inauguration of the Kwala Dry Port in Coast Region on July 31, 2025, in a high-profile event that will also see the launch of a series of major strategic transport and industrial projects aimed at positioning Tanzania as a regional logistics hub.
Coast Regional Commissioner, Abubakar Kunenge, told journalists on Tuesday July 22 that the Head of State will also flag off the first cargo train journey on the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), receive newly procured wagons for the metre-gauge railway (MGR), and inaugurate the expansive Kwala Industrial Park.
The launch of the freight train operations on the SGR will take place at the newly completed Marchalling Yard, a key facility designed for assembling and maintaining freight trains.
According to Mr Kunenge, the introduction of full-scale operations at Kwala Dry Port will ease congestion at the Port of Dar es Salaam by more than 30 percent, as the facility is set to handle an average of 823 containers daily — over 300,000 annually.
“This marks a transformative step in enhancing port efficiency, streamlining cargo movement, and reinforcing Tanzania’s status as a regional gateway for trade and transport,” said Mr Kunenge.
He added that President Samia will also officiate the reception of 160 railway wagons — including 100 newly acquired MGR wagons, 20 refurbished ones, and 40 donated by the World Food Programme (WFP).
The Kwala Industrial Park, which is emerging as one of East Africa’s largest industrial zones, will also feature prominently during the event.
President Samia will unveil seven factories that are already operational and inspect progress on five others currently under construction.
Mr Kunenge called on the public to turn out in large numbers for the historic occasion, which he described as a testament to the Sixth Phase Government’s commitment to strengthening industrial and transport infrastructure under President Samia’s leadership.
The event is expected to draw both national and international dignitaries, culminating in a major public rally.
“These developments showcase the Government’s strategic execution in transforming Kwala into an international logistics hub — a nerve centre for trade, transport, and industrial growth,” Mr Kunenge said.
The benefits of these projects, he added, include increased government revenue, reduced pressure on road infrastructure, enhanced environmental protection, and improved regional competitiveness and economic integration with neighbouring countries such as the DRC, Zambia, Rwanda, Burundi, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Uganda, and South Sudan.
The Kwala Dry Port project is being implemented by the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) as part of broader efforts to expand the capacity and efficiency of the Port of Dar es Salaam and strengthen its role as a regional trade and transport corridor.
