Dar es Salaam. The government has begun taking steps to improve the learning environment at the Dar es Salaam Maritime Institute (DMI) to ensure the institution meets the demands of the 21st century.
The Minister for Transport, Makame Mbarawa, said the ministry plans to relocate the institute from its current location along the coastline of Dar es Salaam city centre to a larger coastal area in Kimbiji.
Prof Mbarawa made the remarks on March 15, 2026 when the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Infrastructure visited the institute to assess its facilities and operations.
He explained that the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) will take over the land currently occupied by the institute and finance the construction of a new and more spacious campus at Kimbiji.
According to the minister, the relocation is intended to provide the maritime training institution with adequate space and modern infrastructure to match its regional importance.
Prof Mbarawa was responding to concerns raised by the chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Infrastructure, Selemani Kakoso, who urged the Ministry of Transport to strengthen institutions under its supervision, particularly DMI.
Mr Kakoso noted that despite its long-standing reputation, the current environment at the institute does not reflect the scale and significance of the services it provides.
“This institute is the first maritime training institution in East Africa, yet its surroundings do not reflect its stature. We urge the ministry to support DMI to move to an area where it can operate in a more conducive environment and fully showcase its potential,” he said.
Mr Kakoso added that the institution attracts students from across Africa, including countries in West Africa, underscoring its regional relevance.
Prof Mbarawa further explained that once the institute relocates, the site it currently occupies could be developed into a 500-metre berth capable of generating substantial revenue for the country through port operations.
Meanwhile, members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Infrastructure, led by Mr Kakoso, also visited the Port of Dar es Salaam on the same day to inspect the progress of ongoing infrastructure development and improvement projects.
Speaking after the visit, Mr Kakoso commended port officials for their efforts and urged them to continue working diligently to enhance operational efficiency.
He observed that the transport sector has entrusted many young professionals with leadership roles in key institutions, citing examples such as the Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC), the Tanzania Ports Authority and the Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC).
According to him, these institutions are being led by capable young leaders who have demonstrated professionalism and commitment in executing their responsibilities.
Mr Kakoso also called on the port to continue strengthening innovation and operational efficiency in order to expand its cargo handling capacity.
He stressed that the port should aim to more than double the current cargo throughput in the coming years as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s logistics and transport network.
In addition, the committee emphasised the importance of closer cooperation between the Tanzania Ports Authority, the Tanzania Railways Corporation and the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA).
Mr Kakoso said stronger collaboration among the three institutions would enhance the transportation of cargo to and from neighbouring countries, including Uganda, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia.
He noted that improved regional cargo movement would boost national revenue and further strengthen the position of the Port of Dar es Salaam as a key trade and economic gateway for the country and the wider region.
