A high-level Tanzanian delegation, led by the Deputy Minister of Transport, Hon. David Mwakiposa Kihenzile (MP), conducted a familiarization tour of Adani Port and Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Mundra, India, from February 21 to 23, 2025. The visit aimed to gain insights into port operations and economic zone development to enhance Tanzania’s infrastructure and economic competitiveness.

The delegation included key government officials such as the Permanent Secretary of Finance, Mrs. Natu El-Maamry Amir Mwamba; the Permanent Secretary in the President’s Office for Planning and Investment, Mrs. Tausi Mbaga Kida; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Dr. Hashil Twaibu Abdallah; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Human Settlements Development, Eng. Anthony Sanga; the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Mr. Ludovick James Nduhiye; and the Deputy Attorney General, Mr. Samwel Marko Maneno.

Additionally, the delegation comprised Mr. Gilead John Teri, Executive Director of the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC); Mr. Aristides Robert Mbwasi, Director of Private Sector Investment at the President’s Office for Planning and Investment; Dr. Kheri Goloka, Minister Counsellor at the Tanzania High Commission in New Delhi; and representatives from various government institutions, including the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA), the National Planning Commission, the Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation. The Adani Ports & SEZ officials present included Mr. Shahzad Athar, Vice President of Business Strategy and Container Terminals, and Mr. Rakshit Shah, Executive Director of Corporate Services.

Adani Port and SEZ, located in Mundra, Gujarat, is India’s largest commercial port and a flagship project of the Adani Group, recognized for its advanced logistics and port management capabilities. The port plays a crucial role in India’s trade infrastructure, handling vast cargo volumes, making it an ideal model for Tanzania as it seeks to enhance its port operations.

Tanzania’s commitment to port development was reinforced by its 30-year concession agreement with Adani Ports, signed in May 2024, granting Adani the rights to operate Container Terminal 2 at Dar es Salaam Port. The delegation’s visit to Mundra was strategically designed to study Adani’s operational model, infrastructure, and SEZ facilities to help shape Tanzania’s port modernization strategies.

This visit aligns with Tanzania’s broader economic goals, including increasing port efficiency to compete with regional trade hubs like Mombasa, enhancing logistics capabilities, and attracting foreign investment. During the tour, the delegation explored various port facilities, observed cargo handling operations, and engaged in discussions on potential partnerships that could benefit Tanzania’s infrastructural development.

Tanzania’s infrastructure development efforts extend beyond Dar es Salaam Port, with ongoing initiatives to advance the Bagamoyo Port and SEZ project. The revival of the Bagamoyo SEZ project follows President H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan’s decision to restart the initiative after it stalled over a decade ago. Strengthening port and SEZ operations remains a critical aspect of Tanzania’s economic strategy, and India continues to be a valuable partner in this endeavor.

During the tour, Adani Ports & SEZ expressed interest in participating in the Bagamoyo port development project. The Tanzanian government has allocated 22 billion Tanzanian shillings for the initial construction of Bagamoyo Port, which will be managed in-house by the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) within the current financial year.

This mission is expected to pave the way for further collaboration between Tanzania and Adani Ports, contributing to the realization of Tanzania’s vision for a modernized and efficient port system. Such advancements will boost trade, drive economic growth, and position the country as a key logistics hub in the region.