Key facts
- The new fishing harbour in Kilwa Masoko is designed to accommodate larger vessels than previously used.
- The facility aims to land 60,000 tonnes of fish per year.
- The project is expected to create tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
- The harbour will include deep-sea berths and cold storage facilities.
- China Harbor Engineering Company (CHEC) is constructing the facility.
A new US$110 million fishing harbour in Kilwa Masoko, Tanzania, designed to accommodate larger vessels and land 60,000 tonnes of fish annually, has passed its completion inspection, according to China's ambassador to Tanzania Chen Mingjian. The facility, part of China's Belt and Road Initiative, is described as Tanzania's first large-scale modern fishing harbour.
Tanzanian Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba stated that construction is approximately 90% complete, hailing the project as strategic for economic growth. Analysts suggest the harbour's deep-sea berths and cold storage will reduce spoilage, increase incomes for fishers and traders, and link Tanzania to export markets. The government aims to diversify the economy, create jobs, and increase foreign exchange earnings through the project, which is projected to generate tens of thousands of employment opportunities.