Dar es Salaam. The government revenue from customs duties has surged to over Sh12 trillion annually following extensive reforms within the transport sector, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has said.
The development has been contributed by strategic improvements in port performance, which according to President Samia, have fundamentally transformed the nation’s economic outlook.
She made the revelations on Mach 3 while officiating the commission of the the Tanzania Ports Authority’s own oil storage tanks.
The construction of the tanks, which will be built and owned by the government, is scheduled for completion in 2027.
These infrastructure upgrades have enabled Tanzanian ports to accommodate and service large vessels from major international shipping lines.
President Samia stated that the ongoing investments are designed to enhance the efficiency of offloading and cargo handling services.
This transformation aims to solidify Tanzania’s position as a premier trade and logistics hub for East and Central Africa.
“The Sh12 trillion revenue milestone significantly strengthens the government’s capacity to fund development projects and fortify the national economy,” she noted.
According to the Head of State, the decision to involve the private sector in port operations has been a critical strategy in boosting efficiency.
This partnership has effectively reduced operational costs for TPA.
By leveraging private sector participation, the TPA has successfully minimised direct overheads.
This shift has allowed the authority to redirect its financial resources toward the construction of new and modern infrastructure.
One such priority is the development of advanced facilities for the discharge and storage of oil products.
Previously, the TPA did not possess its own dedicated oil storage tanks.
The completion of current projects will allow the government to own and operate its storage infrastructure for the first time.
This move is expected to enhance national energy security, eliminate third-party rental costs, and ensure fuel storage meets international standards.
President Samia emphasised that the pace of development in the maritime sector has accelerated significantly compared to previous years.
She noted that these achievements align with the goals of Development Vision 2050.
The President reaffirmed that the government will continue to foster close cooperation with the private sector to sustain this growth momentum.
