Tanazania and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) took a landmark step towards developing maritime transport between each other. Tanzania Shipping Company (Tashico) and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s national shipping company, Lignes Maritimes Congolaises (LMC), have formalized a significant three-year agreement to bolster passenger and cargo transport operations across Lake Tanganyika, a move anticipated to enhance the efficiency of regional commerce and strengthen market connections between East and Central African nations.
Tashico managing director Eric Hamissi said the agreement underscores a strategic initiative to cultivate national capabilities in maritime transportation and to elevate Tanzania’s involvement in international cargo shipping. This partnership is projected to broaden the reach of Tanzania’s transport services and solidify its position as a vital trade conduit for East and Central African countries, with a particular focus on the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“This is a partnership driven by mutual need… we want to improve efficiency in water transport and fully utilise opportunities available in the Lake Tanganyika corridor,” said Hamissi.
Beyond operational enhancements, the accord will facilitate a valuable exchange of expertise. LMC brings considerable experience in ocean shipping via the Atlantic Ocean, while Tashico contributes its specialized knowledge in navigating the Great Lakes. Initially, the companies intend to utilize chartered vessels to meet existing market demands.
This landmark agreement coincides with the Port of Dar es Salaam’s ongoing efforts to augment its capacity in managing cargo destined for neighboring countries. The Democratic Republic of Congo stands as one of its most substantial clients. Statistical data indicates that a considerable volume of DRC’s cargo transit occurs via Tanzania, positioning the country as a critical logistics hub in the East and Central African region.
LMC Director General’s representative, Mr Frank Nkulu, believes that this collaboration is an important step in fortifying the economic and trade ties between Tanzania and the DRC. The partnership endeavors to establish a contemporary and effective transport network capable of meeting the requirements of both traders and communities situated around Lake Tanganyika. The agreement is also poised to elevate the utilization of Lake Tanganyika as a primary transportation artery, thereby opening trade avenues for neighboring nations, including Zambia and Burundi.
