Tanzania’s maritime sector is undergoing transformative reforms designed to expand employment opportunities and enhance operational safety, according to government officials and industry leaders. Deputy Minister for Transport, Mr David Kihenzile, emphasized the urgency of adapting to global technological shifts during the 2026 World Maritime Day celebrations in Tanga, where he called for a skilled workforce to meet modern industry demands. "Modern technology provides an opportunity to build the capacity of our youth, enabling them to secure employment while also allowing the country to keep pace with the direction of the digital world," Kihenzile stated, underscoring the government’s focus on aligning with international standards and fostering innovation. The reforms, part of broader efforts to strengthen the blue economy, include investments in port infrastructure, maritime safety, and shipbuilding. Kihenzile highlighted the need for stricter compliance with international safety protocols to reduce accidents and protect lives and property. He also urged closer collaboration with the private sector to address weather-related disruptions and operational challenges, stressing that "practical implementation" of policies is critical to the sector’s resilience. A key indicator of progress is the surge in certified seafarers, reported by the Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC). By March 2025, TASAC had issued 15,948 seafarers’ certificates, a 55.29% increase from the same period in the 2024/25 financial year. Of these, 15,353 were Certificates of Proficiency (COP), 501 were Continuous Discharge Certificates (CDC), and 94 were Certificates of Competency (COC) for ship officers. TASAC Director General, Mr Mohamed Salum, described the certifications as a "gateway to employment opportunities" in domestic and international markets, noting that improved training and professionalism are expanding youth employment prospects. Salum also highlighted infrastructure upgrades, including the completion of a regional Search and Rescue Coordination Centre in Mwanza. The facility, equipped to handle emergencies, coordinates rescue operations with neighboring countries and provides weather alerts. Tanzania has acquired two search and rescue boats and one medical vessel, with plans to deploy four additional rescue boats by 2026. Two of these are already operational in Tanga and Kigoma, while the remaining two will be stationed in Mtwara and Kagera by November. Environmental preparedness is another focus, with TASAC planning to acquire two specialized Oil Spill Response and Anti-Pollution Vessels. One will be based in Tanga, and the other in Dar es Salaam, to mitigate marine pollution risks. The corporation is also advancing a Maritime Single Window initiative, a digital platform developed in collaboration with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). This system aims to streamline vessel clearance processes, reduce bureaucratic delays, and ease port congestion by consolidating data on arrivals, passengers, and cargo. Tanzania’s strategic location as a regional trade hub underscores the importance of maritime transport. Ports in Tanga, Dar es Salaam, and Mtwara serve not only domestic needs but also facilitate trade with six neighboring states. TASAC Board Chairman, Captain Mussa Mandia, reiterated the sector’s role in driving economic growth, emphasizing that "professionalism, safety, and discipline" are essential for sustained progress. He called on stakeholders to prioritize the practical implementation of policies and international standards to ensure a competitive, efficient, and safe maritime industry. The reforms reflect a broader commitment to leveraging maritime technology for economic and social development. As Tanzania continues to modernize its shipping sector, the focus remains on creating jobs, enhancing safety, and positioning the country as a regional maritime leader. With ongoing investments and collaboration, officials hope to solidify the sector’s contribution to national and regional prosperity.
Tanzania's Maritime Reforms Target Job Growth, Safety Upgrades
Tanzania's Maritime Reforms Target Job Growth, Safety Upgrades
Tanzania’s maritime sector is undergoing transformative reforms designed to expand employment opportunities and enhance operational safety, according to government officials and industry leaders. Deputy Minister for Transport, Mr David Kihenzile, emphasized the urgency of adapting to global technological shifts during the 2026 World Maritime Day celebrations in Tanga, where he called for a skilled workforce to meet modern industry demands. "Modern technology provides an opportunity to build the capacity of our youth, enabling them to secure employment while also allowing the country to keep pace with the direction of the digital world," Kihenzile stated, underscoring the government’s focus on aligning with international standards and fostering innovation. The reforms, part of broader efforts to strengthen the blue economy, include investments in port infrastructure, maritime safety, and shipbuilding. Kihenzile highlighted the need for stricter compliance with international safety protocols to reduce accidents and protect lives and property. He also urged closer collaboration with the private sector to address weather-related disruptions and operational challenges, stressing that "practical implementation" of policies is critical to the sector’s resilience. A key indicator of progress is the surge in certified seafarers, reported by the Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC). By March 2025, TASAC had issued 15,948 seafarers’ certificates, a 55.29% increase from the same period in the 2024/25 financial year. Of these, 15,353 were Certificates of Proficiency (COP), 501 were Continuous Discharge Certificates (CDC), and 94 were Certificates of Competency (COC) for ship officers. TASAC Director General, Mr Mohamed Salum, described the certifications as a "gateway to employment opportunities" in domestic and international markets, noting that improved training and professionalism are expanding youth employment prospects. Salum also highlighted infrastructure upgrades, including the completion of a regional Search and Rescue Coordination Centre in Mwanza. The facility, equipped to handle emergencies, coordinates rescue operations with neighboring countries and provides weather alerts. Tanzania has acquired two search and rescue boats and one medical vessel, with plans to deploy four additional rescue boats by 2026. Two of these are already operational in Tanga and Kigoma, while the remaining two will be stationed in Mtwara and Kagera by November. Environmental preparedness is another focus, with TASAC planning to acquire two specialized Oil Spill Response and Anti-Pollution Vessels. One will be based in Tanga, and the other in Dar es Salaam, to mitigate marine pollution risks. The corporation is also advancing a Maritime Single Window initiative, a digital platform developed in collaboration with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). This system aims to streamline vessel clearance processes, reduce bureaucratic delays, and ease port congestion by consolidating data on arrivals, passengers, and cargo. Tanzania’s strategic location as a regional trade hub underscores the importance of maritime transport. Ports in Tanga, Dar es Salaam, and Mtwara serve not only domestic needs but also facilitate trade with six neighboring states. TASAC Board Chairman, Captain Mussa Mandia, reiterated the sector’s role in driving economic growth, emphasizing that "professionalism, safety, and discipline" are essential for sustained progress. He called on stakeholders to prioritize the practical implementation of policies and international standards to ensure a competitive, efficient, and safe maritime industry. The reforms reflect a broader commitment to leveraging maritime technology for economic and social development. As Tanzania continues to modernize its shipping sector, the focus remains on creating jobs, enhancing safety, and positioning the country as a regional maritime leader. With ongoing investments and collaboration, officials hope to solidify the sector’s contribution to national and regional prosperity.