Elevating Dar es Salaam Port to a Top-Ranking Status in Africa

Tanzania Port Authority (TPA): The Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) is the organization responsible for managing and operating the ports in Tanzania. It oversees the major seaports of Dar es Salaam, Tanga, and Mtwara, along with several smaller ports. TPA plays a critical role in the national economy by facilitating trade and commerce, which in turn supports the broader East African region.

Dar es Salaam Port:

• Location and Significance: The Dar es Salaam Port is Tanzania's principal port, strategically located on the eastern coast of Africa. It serves as a major gateway for international trade for both Tanzania and several landlocked countries in East and Central Africa, including Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia, Malawi, and the eastern parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
• Economic Impact: The port handles a significant volume of cargo, including containerized goods, bulk commodities, and vehicles. Its operations are vital for the import and export activities of these countries, making it a linchpin in the region's supply chain.
• Infrastructure and Capacity: The port has undergone various modernization and expansion projects to increase its capacity and efficiency. These improvements include the construction of new berths, dredging to accommodate larger vessels, and the enhancement of cargo handling equipment and facilities.
• Challenges: Despite its importance, the Dar es Salaam Port faces challenges such as congestion, inefficiencies in cargo handling, and administrative bottlenecks. These issues impact the overall performance and have kept it from being ranked among the top 10 highest-ranking ports in Africa according to the Container Port Performance Index (CPPI).

Container Port Performance Index (CPPI)

The CPPI is an annual report produced by the World Bank in collaboration with S&P Global Market Intelligence, aiming to provide a comprehensive assessment of container port performance worldwide. The index is designed to benchmark ports and promote improvements in efficiency, infrastructure, and operations.

• Methodology: The CPPI measures the performance of ports based on the average port hours per port call. This metric reflects the total amount of time a vessel spends in a port, from arrival to departure. Ports must have at least 24 valid port calls within a calendar year to be included in the index.
• Data Collection: For the CPPI 2022, data was collected from 348 primary ports, recording 156,813 port calls. Ports reporting fewer than 24 calls were excluded from the primary index but included in supplementary data.
• Evaluation Metrics: The index evaluates ports based on several criteria, including cost, landside connectivity and services, ship-to-shore interchange, and terminal capacity utilization.

Top 10 Highest-Ranking Ports in Africa (CPPI 2022)

According to the CPPI 2022, the following ports are the highest-ranking in Africa:

1. Djibouti Port, Djibouti: 26th globally
2. Berbera, Somaliland: 144th globally
3. Conakry, Guinea: 189th globally
4. Dakar, Senegal: 196th globally
5. Matadi, Democratic Republic of Congo: 197th globally
6. Tema, Ghana: 205th globally
7. Mogadishu, Somalia: 221st globally
8. Beira, Mozambique: 223rd globally
9. Freetown, Sierra Leone: 226th globally
10. Toamasina, Madagascar: 227th globally

Despite the strategic importance and significant economic impact of the Dar es Salaam Port under the Tanzania Ports Authority, it has not made it to the top 10 highest-ranking ports in Africa based on the CPPI. The CPPI highlights the need for continued improvements in efficiency, infrastructure, and operational processes to enhance the port's performance and competitiveness on the global stage.

Tanzania Ports Authority can significantly improve the performance and competitiveness of the Dar es Salaam Port, aiming for a higher ranking in future assessments of global port performance:

Infrastructure Development

• Expansion and Modernization: Continue with the expansion projects to increase the port's capacity. This includes constructing new berths, expanding existing ones, and upgrading cargo handling equipment.
• Dredging: Regular dredging to maintain and deepen the port’s channels to accommodate larger vessels, reducing the waiting time for ships.
• Technology Integration: Invest in advanced technologies such as automated cargo handling systems, real-time tracking systems, and port management software to streamline operations and improve efficiency.

Efficiency and Operational Improvements

• Reduce Congestion: Implement measures to reduce port congestion, such as optimizing vessel scheduling, improving turnaround times, and expanding storage facilities.
• Efficient Customs Processes: Streamline customs procedures to reduce delays. This can be achieved through better integration of customs systems, enhanced training for staff, and adopting more transparent processes.
• 24/7 Operations: Ensure that port operations, including customs, work around the clock to avoid downtime and maximize throughput.

Enhancing Connectivity

• Improved Landside Connections: Enhance road and rail links to the port to ensure smooth and efficient transportation of goods to and from the port. This includes investing in infrastructure improvements and maintaining existing roads and railways.
• Intermodal Facilities: Develop intermodal facilities to facilitate the seamless transfer of cargo between different modes of transport, such as road, rail, and sea.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Public-Private Partnerships: Engage in public-private partnerships to leverage private sector investment and expertise in port operations and management.
• Regional Cooperation: Foster stronger regional cooperation with neighboring countries to create a more integrated and efficient logistics network, which can increase the volume of transit cargo through the port.

Policy and Regulatory Reforms

• Regulatory Framework: Simplify and harmonize regulatory frameworks to reduce bureaucratic obstacles. Ensure that port regulations are in line with international best practices.
• Incentives: Offer incentives to shipping lines and logistics companies to use the Dar es Salaam Port, such as competitive pricing, rebates, and discounts for high-volume users.

Capacity Building

• Training and Development: Invest in training programs for port staff to improve their skills and knowledge. This includes technical training, customer service, and operational efficiency.
• Management Practices: Adopt best management practices to enhance the overall performance and governance of the port operations.

Environmental Sustainability

• Sustainable Practices: Implement environmentally sustainable practices to reduce the port’s carbon footprint, such as using green energy, reducing waste, and improving water management.
• Compliance: Ensure compliance with international environmental standards and regulations.

Customer Service Improvement

• Customer Feedback: Establish a system to gather feedback from port users and stakeholders regularly. Use this feedback to make continuous improvements.
• Service Quality: Focus on improving the quality of services offered at the port, including faster turnaround times, better cargo handling, and enhanced safety and security measures.

Marketing and Promotion

• Global Outreach: Actively market the port’s capabilities and improvements to attract more shipping lines and logistics companies. Participate in international trade fairs and forums to showcase the port.
• Branding: Develop a strong brand identity for the Dar es Salaam Port as a reliable and efficient gateway for East and Central Africa.