Tanzania Signs Controversial 30-Year Port Deal with UAE Firm DP World Amid Protests

$250 Million Investment Aims to Triple Revenue, Sees DP World Managing Two-Thirds of the Dar es Salaam Port Despite Public Dissent and Concerns Over National Sovereignty.

Tanzanian maritime authority reached a controversial 30-year agreement with United Arab Emirates-based DP World to manage two-thirds of the Dar es Salaam port; offsetting accusations of constitutional violation and threats to national sovereignty.
DP World, a maritime giant owned by UAE ruling families, wields significant influence across Africa with significant investments and operations in multiple countries including Angola, Djibouti, and Somalia, contributing to an almost decade-long military offensive in Yemen.
The $250 million investment is expected to triple port revenue within a decade, enhancing efficiency by reducing vessel clearance time from an average of 12 hours to 60 minutes.
The deal has instigated widespread public protests and dozens of arrests, yet Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu defended the decision to enhance port efficiency and boost the country's economy
Incidents in other nations, such as DP World's costly legal battle over Djibouti's port operations, hint at potential future conflicts in Tanzania.