The DRC plans to build a Congolese dry port near Dar-es-Salaam: MP Enock Batsotsi Nyamwisi is backing the project to boost trade
During her visit to Tanzania, the Prime Minister of the DRC, Judith Suminwa, leading a Congolese delegation, travelled on Wednesday 4 November to Kwala, some 100 kilometres from Dar es Salaam, where the DRC has 45 hectares of land earmarked for the construction of its own dry port.
Accompanied by the Minister for Infrastructure and Public Works, John Banza, and members of the National Assembly, including Enock Batsotsi Nyamwisi, Ms Suminwa visited this site, which is dedicated to the reception, storage, processing and customs clearance of Congolese goods prior to their transport to the DRC. This facility will, in particular, bring Congolese logistics and customs services closer to the main maritime transit point used to supply the east of the country.
“We believe that our two countries have everything to gain from working together, whether politically or economically. By working together and forging a strong partnership, we all stand to benefit,” said the Congolese Head of Government.
For MP Enock Batsotsi Nyamwisi, the construction of a port will enable Congolese traders to reduce the costs associated with goods passing through the port. This will have an impact on the prices of goods on the market. The MP pointed out that 52 per cent of goods entering the DRC pass through the port of Dar-es-Salaam. He believes that a Congolese dry port located nearby should help to improve trade between the two countries.
“Our traders who come to collect their goods at the port of Dar es Salaam face major storage difficulties, as they have to store them in Tanzanian or private warehouses. And that costs them too much. What’s more, the administrative procedures are very lengthy, taking up to 30 days per vehicle. Tanzania has granted 45 hectares to the DRC to build our dry port a few kilometres from Dar-es-Salam. This will mean we no longer need to use other warehouses, thereby providing considerable relief to our traders. As you know, 52 per cent of all goods entering the Congo pass through the port of Dar-es-Salam,” said Enock Batsotsi Nyamwisi.
Supported by the third pillar of the Government’s 2024–2028 Action Programme, this initiative aims to make connectivity a strategic lever for opening up the country and boosting regional economic trade. It should therefore help to reduce processing times, improve cargo tracking and limit logistics costs. It will also facilitate Congolese exports, particularly of mining products, through better coordination of customs and immigration operations between the two countries.
