By Senior Editor, China Africa News
KIGALI, 27 May, 2026 — A landmark agreement signed between Rwanda and Tanzania in 2025 to establish a Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) liaison office in Kigali is now moving toward implementation, with the office expected to officially become operational during Tanzania’s 2026/27 financial year.
Once launched, the Kigali-based office will allow Rwandan importers and exporters using the Port of Dar es Salaam to access key cargo clearance and port services directly from Rwanda, eliminating procedures that previously required physical presence at the port in Tanzania.
The initiative is expected to significantly improve trade efficiency between the two countries. Tanzanian authorities say more than 90 percent of services at the Port of Dar es Salaam have already been digitized, enabling traders to complete documentation, cargo tracking, approvals, and pre-clearance processes remotely.
Officials estimate the system could reduce cargo clearance time by more than 80 percent compared to competing regional ports, further strengthening Dar es Salaam’s position as a major trade gateway for land-linked countries in East and Central Africa.
For Rwanda, which relies heavily on the Central Corridor for imports and exports, the development is expected to lower logistics costs, reduce delays, and improve the movement of goods across borders.
The liaison office will also improve coordination between Rwandan cargo owners and the Tanzania Ports Authority, helping businesses resolve logistical issues faster while streamlining communication and cargo handling processes.
The agreement was initially signed on July 25, 2025, as part of broader efforts by Kigali and Dodoma to deepen economic cooperation and regional integration within the East African Community.
Analysts say the upcoming rollout reflects growing regional efforts to modernize trade infrastructure and make cross-border commerce faster, more digital, and more efficient.
