Ujiji, the oldest town in western Tanzania, is set to benefit from significant investment. The renovation of Ujiji Port on Lake Tanganyika in Kigoma Region, which is part of a mega project to upgrade Kigoma-based ports, is now 64% complete. The initiative, executed by the Tanzania Ports Authority, is costing 7,963,468,108.11/- million and is expected to boost the region’s economic growth.
Historical Significance of Ujiji Port
Ujiji Port has become a crucial link for domestic trade, connecting producers and traders in coastal towns along Lake Tanganyika in three regions of Kigoma, Katavi and Rukwa. The port serves farmers, traders, and local travelers and is an important terminal for them.
The modernization of the port, which began in 2019, involves constructing a passenger lounge, cargo shed, guardhouses, and vehicle parking lots. Key infrastructure has already been completed, and the contractor is continuing with the construction of a 134-meter jet. This work includes building fenders and installing navigational aids. The Ujiji Port renovation project is meant to maintain the area’s historical importance, as Ujiji is where Richard Burton and John Speke first reached the shore of Lake Tanganyika in 1858. The site is also famous for the meeting of Henry Stanley and Dr. David Livingstone in 1871.
Boosting Trade and Economic Growth
Ujiji Port’s renovation is part of the Tanzanian government’s strategic economic growth initiatives to exploit water-borne trade. The modernization of ports in the Kigoma region, particularly Ujiji, Kibirizi, and the main port of Kigoma, will increase the contribution of the port industry to the national economy. Ujiji Port, which specifically serves the domestic market, will benefit producers, traders, and local travelers by improving transport infrastructure, reducing transport costs and enhancing access to goods and services. The government’s considerable investment in water infrastructure, particularly port expansions and acquisition of ships in the great lakes, is expected to attract investment in the region, create job opportunities, and stimulate economic growth.
