Media Talk Africa: Latest Headlines in Politics, Business, Sports, and More

In the latest ranking of the world’s most efficient ports by the World Bank, the Dar es Salaam Port of Tanzania has climbed 49 places from last year, securing the 312th position. The improved ranking places the port ahead of Mombasa Port, which is at 326th out of the 348 ports assessed globally. The achievement is credited to the Tanzanian government’s efforts in expanding infrastructure and modernizing equipment and technologies under the Dar es Salaam Maritime Gateway Programme (DMGP).

President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been hands-on in enhancing the port industry, which plays a considerable role in the country’s economy, contributing 40 percent to the GDP. Since taking office in March 2021, President Samia has championed strategic projects implemented by the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) to improve port services in the country and make Tanzanian ports a hub for water transportation.

The TPA has transformed port operations and enhanced efficiency through modern cargo handling equipment, improved safety and security, and extensive marketing. The Port of Berbera, Djibouti, Port Elizabeth, Durban, and Cape Town are among the sub-Saharan African ports assessed by the World Bank Container Port Performance Index 2022, in which Djibouti ranked 26th. The ranking indicates that efficient port operations are crucial to trade and regional development, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic slowdown.