By Cremilda Macuácua,China Africa News
Lindi Region-Tanzanian Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba on Friday praised the rapid progress of the Kilwa Fishing Harbour project in the Lindi Region, announcing that construction is now about 90 % complete. The facility, being built by China Harbor Engineering Company (CHEC), was described as one of the nation’s most strategic projects and a future cornerstone of economic growth.
“We are very pleased with the progress of this project, which is among many strategic initiatives that, once completed, will make a significant mark for Tanzanians,”
Nchemba told local leaders and residents following an inspection of the site. From the rolling sands of Kilwa Masoko’s shoreline to the bustling discussions in Dar es Salaam’s policy circles, the Kilwa Fishing Harbour has emerged as more than just a construction site it has become a symbol of Tanzania’s blue economy aspirations. With deep-sea berths and cold storage facilities set to elevate the processing and preservation of fish, the harbour is expected to reshape how coastal communities engage with their marine resources. Analysts say that by facilitating larger catches and reducing spoilage, the infrastructure could unlock higher incomes for fishers and tradersand link Tanzania more effectively to export markets hungry for quality seafood.
The visionary promise of the harbour is rooted in the government’s broader Vision 2050 development agenda, which aims to diversify the economy, create jobs, and increase foreign exchange earnings. Once operational, the facility is projected to create tens of thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities in sectors ranging from port logistics to fish processing and boat maintenance industries that have long struggled with limited access to modern infrastructure.
Local entrepreneurs and fisherfolk are already imagining the ripple effects. For many, this project signals the beginning of a new chapter in coastal commerce, with a reliable platform to bring their products to both regional and international markets. “With cold storage right here, I won’t have to worry about losing half my catch before it even reaches market,” said one Kilwa fish trader, capturing a sentiment echoed by others who see the harbour as a pathway to sustainable livelihoods and economic inclusion in their communities.
Investment incentives have also been extended to the private sector, with government officials urging stakeholders to consider ventures in fuel supply, refrigerated transport, and value-added processing supporting the harbour’s ecosystem. This collaborative push reflects a shared belief that public-private synergy will be key to maximizing the harbour’s socio-economic impact.
Integrating traditional fishing practices with modern infrastructure marks a pivotal moment for Tanzania’s coastal economy. As the Kilwa Fishing Harbour edges toward completion, it stands poised not just as an industrial asset, but as a gateway to prosperity for coastal regions anchoring Tanzania’s ambitions to harness its marine wealth responsibly and profitably in the decades ahead.
