Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have agreed to allocate land for the development of dry ports in both countries, aiming to improve regional trade and logistics.
The agreement was reached during bilateral meetings held in Lubumbashi from April 3 to 5, 2025.
Under the deal, each country will provide 60 hectares of land—Tanzania in Kwala and Katosho, and the DRC in Kasumbalesa and Kasenga.
This land exchange marks a major milestone in the implementation of the Transport Infrastructure Development Program, launched in 2022 under the Central Corridor Transit Transport Facilitation Agency (CCTTFA).
According to CCTTFA, the completion of land title formalities “paves the way for the development of these strategic logistics infrastructures,” which are expected to be completed within 18 months through public-private partnerships (PPPs).
The need for dry ports has become increasingly urgent due to a sharp rise in freight traffic from the Port of Dar es Salaam to the DRC. According to Godius Kahyarara, Permanent Secretary at Tanzania’s Ministry of Transport, cargo volumes have grown by 180%—from 14 million to 28 million tonnes over the past four years.
This trend highlights the importance of easing congestion at Dar es Salaam and streamlining regional transit for landlocked countries like the DRC and Burundi.
Other projects discussed during the Lubumbashi meetings include the construction of the Kalemie port, rehabilitation of the Kalemie–Nyunzu–Manono road, and ongoing investment in regional railway infrastructure.
The two countries also reviewed air transport developments. Kalemie and Goma in the DRC, and Mwanza and Dodoma in Tanzania, have been designated as new entry points for passengers and goods.
Air Tanzania is expected to begin direct flights between Dar es Salaam and Kinshasa later this month, further strengthening ties and regional mobility
