President Hassan emphasised that strategic, ongoing investments have dramatically improved the port’s cargo handling capacity and are already reshaping national trade dynamics
Tanga. President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Sunday launched Chama Cha Mapinduzi’s (CCM) election campaign in Tanga, rallying supporters with a message centred on economic transformation and the revitalised Tanga Port as a cornerstone of the country’s development and industrial growth.
CCM supporters attend yesterday’s campaign rally in Tanga. The meeting was addressed by the party’s Union presidential candidate Samia Suluhu Hassan. PHOTO | COURTESY
Addressing thousands of supporters at the campaign launch, President Hassan underscored that strategic investments in Tanga Port, which is undergoing significant upgrades, are already reshaping Tanzania’s trade dynamics and positioning the coastal city as a gateway for long-term prosperity.
“The decision to modernise Tanga Port was not by chance. We saw the potential, in trade, logistics, energy and fisheries, and we made deliberate choices.
Today, Tanga is no longer at the periphery. It is a national asset, an economic gateway,” she declared.
She noted that expansion works have improved cargo handling capacity, enhanced export opportunities in agriculture and minerals, and opened up more job avenues for the local workforce.
She added that the port is becoming central to Tanzania’s regional logistics strategy, helping to decongest Dar es Salaam Port while spreading growth more evenly along the coastline. Beyond cargo trade, President Hassan emphasised the region’s potential within the blue economy.
She cited figures showing that until recently, only 15 deep-sea fishing vessels had been licensed to operate in Tanzania’s vast exclusive economic zone. “We are working to unlock the fisheries sector.
With Tanga as a maritime hub, we aim to boost fish exports, create jobs, and support ancillary industries. This is not a dream. It is already happening,” she said.
The government, she revealed, is exploring further initiatives including bonded warehouses, logistics parks, and industrial clusters around Tanga Port to attract private investment and regional shipping lines.
While port expansion was the highlight of her speech, President Hassan also pointed to broader nationwide achievements under her administration.
She cited investments in infrastructure, energy access, education, and healthcare, describing them as “foundations for inclusive development.”
In Tanga specifically, she highlighted the rollout of rural electrification through the government’s L-27 project, which is extending power to islands and remote coastal villages. “We believe electricity is not a privilege for the few.
It is a right for every Tanzanian. Whether you live on the mainland or in the islands, your development matters,” she said.
She further noted that digital connectivity and e-government services are being expanded to more regions, ensuring citizens have easier access to public services and information.
President Hassan’s message in Tanga also touched on governance and political maturity as the country heads toward the 2025 general election.
She appealed to political parties, candidates and supporters to conduct campaigns responsibly, with respect for the rule of law and a focus on issues rather than personal attacks.
“This is a time to speak to Tanzanians honestly and respectfully,” she said, calling for peace throughout the campaign season.
The Tanga launch marked a significant moment in CCM’s nationwide campaign drive, with the revitalisation of Tanga Port framed as both a local and national milestone.
For residents, the promise of new opportunities in trade, fisheries, and industrialisation was coupled with assurances of continued investments in social services, positioning Tanga as a region set to benefit heavily from the next phase of Tanzania’s economic agenda.
