By John Ikani
Tanzania has sealed a significant 30-year port management deal with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a move that has not escaped controversy.
Under the agreement, Dubai Port (DP) World will be responsible for overseeing four berths at Dar es Salaam, which happens to be Tanzania’s largest port. Additionally, the Emirati company, in collaboration with the Tanzania Ports Authority, will jointly manage three other berths within the port premises.
Notably, the partnership involves a substantial investment of $250 million (equivalent to £205 million) by DP World. Over the next five years, this funding is earmarked for upgrading the port’s infrastructure.
Despite the government’s assertions, the deal has faced vocal opposition from a spectrum of activists, citizens, and political figures. Critics argue that it favors the UAE corporation at the expense of Tanzania’s interests.
In response to the controversy, Tanzanian authorities have detained more than 22 individuals who expressed opposition to the agreement. While some have been subsequently released, Amnesty International reports that several remain in detention.
The Tanzanian government emphasizes that the deal applies exclusively to specific port operations and maintains the prerogative to terminate the contracts if deemed necessary.
The overarching aim of this initiative is for Tanzania to bolster its national revenue and improve operational efficiency as it navigates the path forward
