The President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, has officially inaugurated the East African Trade and Logistics Center (EACLC) located in Ubungo, Dar es Salaam.
The launch took place today, August 1, 2025, highlighting that the completion of this project will create over 15,000 direct jobs and an additional 50,000 indirect jobs.
Speaking at the inauguration, President Dr. Samia stated that more than 5,000 youths have already secured employment through the construction of this project, with another 10,000 jobs expected to be generated during its operation.
"This project will position Tanzania as the first choice for traders and transporters from neighboring countries, stimulating regional trade within the East African Community (EAC), COMESA, SADC, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)," President Samia remarked.
She explained that this initiative is part of the government's efforts to enhance the business and transport environment, alongside other major projects such as the Kwala Dry Port, Industrial Parks, and the official commencement of freight services via the electric ' SGR train ' yesterday.
President Samia noted that the EACLC is a strategic project aimed at addressing long-standing challenges in trade and transport for Tanzania and its neighbors, which will help reduce operational costs and improve the efficiency of transport activities.
"This center presents an opportunity to increase government revenue, boost the collection of Ubungo Municipal Council, and enhance foreign exchange earnings through exports," she emphasized.
Additionally, President Samia invited both local and foreign investors to take advantage of the opportunities available at this center, stressing that the government will continue to create a conducive environment for investors through the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA), which will facilitate all services under a 'One-Stop Centre' system.
"I urge Tanzanians to seize these opportunities to grow their businesses and enhance the value of our products in both regional and international markets," President Samia concluded.
To promote the sustainability of the project, President Samia has called on investors to establish branches of the center in other commercial areas across the country to stimulate competition and business growth.
The Minister of State in the President's Office for Planning and Investment, Prof. Kitila Mkumbo, who is also the outgoing Member of Parliament for the Ubungo constituency, has praised the government for commencing the construction of the Kimara Mavurunza road, Bonyokwa to Segerea, which has been a long-standing demand from the public for over 14 years since it was promised in 2010.
"In 2023, the President decided to include this road in the budget, allocating 3.6 billion shillings, and for the first time, a contractor has started work," Prof. Mkumbo said.
He added that the number of businesses in the constituency has increased by over 100 percent, from 4,220 businesses in 2020 to 8,997 in 2025, indicating a significant improvement in the business environment.
The Director General of the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA), Gilead Teri, reported that the implementation of this project has utilized over 282.7 billion shillings since May 2023.
The center comprises a total of 2,060 stalls that have already been filled by various traders.
"We expect to create over 15,000 direct jobs and more than 50,000 indirect jobs. This area covers 75,000 square meters," Teri explained.
On his part, the Regional Commissioner of Dar es Salaam, Albert Chalamila, assured that the center has a reliable electricity supply, alleviating any concerns for traders.
He noted that the government has already begun implementing major projects to enhance electricity infrastructure, including the construction of a 220-kilovolt line and substations in Ununio and Mabibo, to ensure that ongoing investments in Dar es Salaam have sufficient energy supply.The completion of the " East African Trade and Transport Center " is a significant milestone for Tanzania in boosting regional economic growth, creating jobs, and attracting new investments to ensure a sustainable economy.