St Petersburg. Tanzania has been identified as an emerging hub in global transport and logistics, supported by its strategic geographical position and growing capacity to link markets across East and Central Africa.
The recognition was highlighted during the International Transport and Logistics Conference held in St Petersburg, Russia.
Speaking as a panellist at the forum, Tanzania Shipping Company (TASHICO) Chief Executive Officer, Mr Eric Hamissi, said the country holds strong potential to become a principal trade and transport gateway for a regional population exceeding 300 million people.
He explained that Tanzania’s strength lies not only in its access to the Indian Ocean coastline but also in its extensive inland water network, which connects neighbouring landlocked countries to international trade routes.
Mr Hamissi stressed that logistics extends beyond physical transportation.
He said it plays a critical role in linking markets and enabling sustained regional economic growth.
Tanzania, he noted, currently serves multiple regional markets through its connectivity across Lake Tanganyika, Lake Victoria and Lake Nyasa.
He elaborated that Lake Tanganyika links Tanzania with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Burundi and Zambia.
Lake Victoria connects the country with Kenya and Uganda.
Lake Nyasa provides an essential connection between Tanzania, Malawi and Mozambique.
These inland waterways remain vital for facilitating trade and easing the movement of goods across borders.
Mr Hamissi further noted that Tanzania is strengthening its role as a key energy transport corridor through the implementation of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project.
The pipeline is expected to position the country as a major export route for Uganda’s crude oil to global markets through the Port of Tanga.
He told delegates that several strategic government projects are being implemented through TASHICO to reinforce the country’s maritime and inland transport capacity.
These initiatives include the construction of a modern shipbuilding and repair yard on Lake Tanganyika.
Plans are also underway for the development of roll-on roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessels to serve Lake Tanganyika and Lake Victoria.
In addition, the company is advancing the construction of an oil cargo vessel designed to improve fuel transport efficiency.
Mr Hamissi added that TASHICO has completed a feasibility study for the introduction of deep-sea shipping services.
The proposed move is expected to enhance Tanzania’s ability to participate directly in international maritime trade.
It will also reduce reliance on foreign carriers and strengthen the country’s competitiveness in global shipping.
Recent investments in port infrastructure, railway systems and inland water transport have further strengthened Tanzania’s ambition to become a logistics gateway for the wider region.
The development of modern port facilities and improved cargo handling capacity has contributed to increased trade volumes and improved turnaround times.
Officials believe that continued investment in transport corridors and logistics infrastructure will position Tanzania as a central pillar in regional trade integration.
The country’s geographical advantage, combined with expanding infrastructure, is expected to support long-term economic growth and strengthen its role in global supply chains.
