Kigoma. President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Monday July 20, 2026 launched the construction of four cargo ships at Kigoma Port in a major investment aimed at strengthening freight transport on Lake Tanganyika and expanding regional trade.
The project forms part of the government’s wider strategy to modernise maritime transport infrastructure and improve cargo movement between Tanzania and neighbouring countries that depend on Lake Tanganyika for trade.
Each of the four vessels will have the capacity to carry 2,000 tonnes of cargo at a time.
The new fleet is expected to improve the efficiency of cargo handling and reduce transport bottlenecks on the lake.
The project will also significantly increase the port’s annual cargo handling capacity.
Kigoma Port is expected to raise throughput from 800,000 tonnes to two million tonnes a year once the ships are completed.
The increased capacity is expected to improve transport services, shorten cargo delivery times and support growing trade across the Lake Tanganyika region.
The government said the investment reflects its commitment to expanding water transport infrastructure and strengthening economic activity through safe, reliable and efficient cargo services.
The completion of the project is expected to enhance Kigoma Port’s competitiveness and create new opportunities for trade and investment.
It is also expected to strengthen cargo transport between Tanzania and neighbouring countries that use Lake Tanganyika as a key trade corridor.
The cargo ship project forms part of ongoing efforts to improve the country’s transport network and support economic growth by facilitating regional connectivity and cross-border commerce.
