Kilwa, Bagamoyo fishing ports now 81 percent complete

Dodoma. Tanzanian fishermen and the national economy are set to benefit from the nearing completion of the Kilwa Masoko and Bagamoyo ports, which are currently 81 percent complete.

The minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Dr Ashatu Kijaji, remarked in Dodoma yesterday that the ports, expected to be completed by June 2025, aim to boost the country’s fisheries sector by enabling the direct landing of fish from the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and the high seas.

Speaking in Dodoma on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, Dr Kijaji highlighted that the government is also working on acquiring eight new fishing vessels, which will service mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.

 She noted that until now, Tanzania has lacked dedicated fishing ports, forcing local vessels to offload catches in foreign ports and depriving the country of potential value in the fish trade.

“The completion of these ports will create employment opportunities for Tanzanians. To date, 570 Tanzanians have secured permanent jobs on the project,” Dr Kijaji said.

The ports are part of a larger effort to enhance the fisheries industry, including developing fish processing plants and cold storage infrastructure. Additionally, the government has purchased a drone valued at 259.6 million Tanzanian shillings to aid in the monitoring and protection of fishing resources.

The drone, which can travel up to 400 kilometres and remain airborne for two hours, will help track illegal fishing activities and monitor fishing vessels. In a move to support fish farming, the government has distributed 222 fish farming cages worth Sh397.8 billion, benefiting 1,213 fishermen across the country. Dr Kijaji also revealed plans for a nationwide vaccination campaign for livestock to protect against diseases that hinder exports.

Tanzania currently exports meat to 12 countries, including Bahrain, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, and Vietnam.