KIGOMA: Lake Tanganyika, the world’s longest freshwater lake and one of Africa’s most strategic waterways, is entering a new era of transformation. Long associated with the historic MV Liemba and a handful of aging cargo vessels, the lake is today witnessing an ambitious modernisation drive that is reshaping Tanzania’s position in the regional logistics landscape.
With expanded port infrastructure, new shipbuilding capacity and rising cargo traffic, Tanzania is steadily positioning Lake Tanganyika as the main gateway for trade to and from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Burundi, Rwanda and parts of Zambia.
According to the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA), these developments are the result of deliberate investment and strong government commitment. In recent years, more than 100bn/- has been pumped into upgrading port facilities across three regions Kigoma, Katavi and Rukwa, where TPA operates a network of 19 ports of varying sizes.
These investments are already boosting cargo volumes and ship calls, and they are paving the way for the lake to play an even more central role in regional commerce.
“We have committed ourselves to transforming Lake Tanganyika into a competitive maritime route,” says TPA Director General, Mr. Plasduce Mbossa, in an interview with the Daily News.
“Our vision is clear: Tanzania must become the leading logistics centre for the DRC and the entire Great Lakes region.”
One of the most significant developments is taking place at Karema Port, where TPA has partnered with China’s Gold Voyage Logistics in collaboration with ZIJIN Mining Group.
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Under an agreement signed on December 1, 2024, the firms were allocated 44,100 square metres of land to establish a modern shipyard. The project includes the construction of four large cargo vessels, each with a carrying capacity of 2,000 tonnes. Construction began on 1 April 2025, and the pace of progress has been remarkable.
The first vessel is now 90 per cent complete and ready for lake trials. The second has reached 82 per cent, the third stands at 70 per cent, and the fourth is at 35 per cent. Mr. Mbossa describes the shipbuilding programme as a “game-changer” for the lake transport sector.
He notes that once the new vessels become operational, they will greatly enhance the movement of bulk cargo, particularly minerals originating from the rapidly expanding mining zones of Manono in eastern DRC.
Lithium, copper and gold minerals that are in high demand globally will be transported from Manono to Kalemie, and then across Lake Tanganyika to Kigoma. From Kigoma, the minerals will be transported to Dar es Salaam or Tanga using the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and the upgraded Meter Gauge Railway (MGR), creating an efficient export corridor from the heart of Africa to the Indian Ocean.
“These ships will modernize logistics for minerals from Manono and other high-value cargo,” Mr. Mbossa says. “For the first time, we will be able to move bulk minerals directly across the lake in large quantities, safely and efficiently.”
Beyond Tanzania’s borders, TPA has also strengthened cooperation with the government of the DRC to modernize Kalemie Port. This effort aims to create a seamless connection between the two sides of the lake, ensuring that cargo flow is uninterrupted and that operational standards are harmonized.
“This is not Tanzania’s project alone; it is a shared vision with our neighbours,” Mr Mbossa emphasizes. “By improving Kalemie, we guarantee smoother operations on both sides of the lake.” The impact of port modernization is already visible. Ship calls at Lake Tanganyika ports have been increasing steadily, rising from 425 in 2020/21 to 551 in 2024/25—an average annual growth rate of 8.4 per cent.
On the other hand Cargo throughput has also surged, jumping from 277,634 tonnes in 2020/21 to 397,897 tonnes in 2024/25, reflecting an average annual growth of 10.1 per cent. TPA attributes this growth to improved port infrastructure, increased demand for lake transport, and expanded trade with the DRC and Burundi.
The DRC remains the largest user of Lake Tanganyika ports, accounting for 71.8 per cent of all cargo handled over the past five years. Burundi follows with 15.7 per cent, while Tanzania accounts for 7.25 per cent, Rwanda for 5.2
per cent, and Zambia for 0.05 per cent.
According to Mr. Mbossa, this distribution underscores Tanzania’s growing importance in the economic life of eastern DRC. “DRC is our biggest client on this lake,” he says.
“We are committed to supporting their economic growth through reliable, modern logistics.”
A closer look at the types of cargo moved across the lake reveals how deeply integrated the economies of the region have become. Essential goods such as soft drinks, wheat flour, maize, rice and vegetable oil continue to flow into eastern DRC, where communities rely heavily on imports.
Construction materials have seen significant growth, rising from 14,320 tonnes in 2020/21 to 51,346 tonnes in 2024/25, reflecting a construction boom in Congolese towns. Fuel shipments have also grown sharply, reaching more than 52,000 tonnes in 2024/25.
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Humanitarian cargo, relief supplies and mixed items play a critical role in supporting communities affected by conflicts in Eastern DRC. One notable development is the sharp increase in clinker, which reached 81,989 tonnes in 2024/25, showing the expanding industrial demand in the region.
Mr. Mbossa explains that modern port infrastructure has several wider benefits. First, it lowers the cost of transporting goods, particularly bulk cargo such as minerals and agricultural products. For the people of eastern DRC and Burundi, this translates into lower prices for essential commodities.
Secondly, with improved infrastructure, supply chains become shorter and faster. Cargo that once took weeks to reach its destination can now arrive in days, making Tanzania an increasingly attractive option compared to more distant maritime corridors.
Thirdly, modernisation helps reduce security risks, smuggling and cargo loss, as goods are handled through regulated and transparent systems. Fourth, the improvements support the legal and orderly export of minerals from eastern DRC, helping both Tanzania and Congo curb illicit trafficking.
Finally, enhanced port efficiency strengthens regional integration by improving trade links across the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
As Tanzania advances its ambition of becoming East Africa’s logistics hub, Lake Tanganyika stands as a critical pillar of that vision. With cranes rising at Karema, shipyards buzzing with activity, and cargo flows increasing steadily at Kigoma and Kibirizi, the transformation is visible on the ground.
The upcoming deployment of four modern vessels marks a new milestone that will elevate the lake’s role to
unprecedented levels. The TPA Director General says the authority is not slowing down.
“We will continue expanding port capacity, investing in new vessels and working closely with the private sector,” Mr. Mbossa assures. “Our commitment is to make Lake Tanganyika the most efficient and reliable corridor
for the DRC, Burundi, Rwanda and Zambia.”
As the sun sets over the calm waters of Lake Tanganyika, reflecting the cranes and cargo barges of a region in motion, one thing stands out clearly: Tanzania is steering Lake Tanganyika toward a new era of growth and prosperity anchored in vision, infrastructure and unwavering regional cooperation.