The Port of Dar es Salaam is on track to surpass its 30 million-tonne cargo target for the 2026/27 financial year, following a strong performance in the first quarter of 2026.
Global logistics firm DP World, which operates berths zero to seven, also expressed confidence in hitting its 1.3 million-tonne target for 2026 after recording significant growth in cargo throughput. The updates were shared during a recent media tour involving editors from various outlets.
The concession granted to DP World aims to modernise operations and improve efficiency, strengthening Tanzania’s role as a logistics hub for neighbouring landlocked countries through expanded road, rail, and freight corridor networks.
According to DP World’s head of external relations, Elitunu Mallamia, cargo throughput reached 27.7 million tonnes in the 2024/25 financial year, up from 24 million tonnes the previous year. Container traffic in Q1 2026 rose sharply to 110,199 TEUs, a 92 percent increase compared to the same period in 2025.
General cargo grew by 22 percent to 620,000 tonnes, while bulk cargo rose to 1.04 million tonnes. Roll-on/roll-off volumes also surged by 58 percent to 66,634 units, reflecting increased demand and improved port efficiency.
Operational gains include faster vessel turnaround, reduced ship waiting times, and improved safety performance. Investments worth $123 million have already been deployed under the concession, with further upgrades planned, including new cranes, yard expansion, and enhanced digital systems to boost efficiency and capacity.