The Democratic Republic of Congo aims to transform its reliance on the Dar es Salaam corridor into an economic advantage. Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka visited the Tanzanian port city on November 2, 2026, to explore ways to strengthen the country's access to international markets and improve the circulation of goods to its eastern and central-eastern provinces. This move is part of a broader effort to enhance regional cooperation and infrastructure development.
The Dar es Salaam port is a vital corridor for the DR Congo, serving as a primary entry point for goods destined for the country's eastern and central-eastern regions. Over 50% of the transit cargo handled by the port is bound for the Congolese market. During her visit, Prime Minister Suminwa met with Tanzanian Transport Minister Makame Mbarawa and officials from the Tanzania Ports Authority to discuss ways to streamline port operations, accelerate cargo handling, and enhance bilateral logistical cooperation.
The DR Congo and Tanzania have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening economic and infrastructural ties, particularly in the areas of ports, rail networks, roads, and lake transport. This cooperation is in line with the Congolese government's 2024-2028 program, which prioritizes territorial connectivity. The two countries' leaders, President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi and President Samia Suluhu Hassan, had previously met in August 2026 to discuss ways to enhance their economic partnership.
Prime Minister Suminwa also visited the Kwala dry port, a 45-hectare facility provided by Tanzania for the DR Congo to develop a terminal for receiving, storing, and clearing goods. The project aims to reduce transit times, improve cargo tracking, and lower logistics costs. The terminal is expected to benefit Congolese exporters, particularly in the mining sector, by providing a more organized platform to transport their products to international markets.
The DR Congo's goal is to make the Dar es Salaam corridor a tool for economic integration, rather than just a transit route. The project involves a reciprocal arrangement, where Tanzania will also have a designated space for its exports. This cooperation is expected to enhance customs coordination between the two countries and contribute to better public revenue mobilization.
However, the project's implementation depends on securing funding and translating political ambitions into concrete investments. Prime Minister Suminwa was accompanied by Infrastructure and Public Works Minister John Banza, several national deputies, and Tanzanian Transport Minister Makame Mbarawa. The presence of national deputies aimed to involve them in the evaluation of infrastructure and project financing prospects.
The DR Congo's efforts to develop the Dar es Salaam corridor are part of a broader strategy to diversify and secure its access to international markets. The project has the potential to become a pillar of the country's economic opening, provided that bilateral commitments translate into operational infrastructure and measurable benefits for economic operators.
Key points
- DR Congo's Prime Minister Judith Suminwa visits Dar es Salaam port and Kwala dry port to enhance economic ties with Tanzania.
- The project aims to reduce transit times, improve cargo tracking, and lower logistics costs for Congolese exporters.
- The implementation of the project depends on securing funding and translating political ambitions into concrete investments.
