The Port of Dar es Salaam’s Port Performance Index (PPI) from the latest update of the World Bank and S&P Global Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) has risen by 105 positions to rank as the top performing port in East Africa.
The improvement in efficiency and cargo handling is evident, with the port climbing from 360th spot to 255th in the world. The project positions Tanzania as a significant trade hub for the East and Central African region, and competition from other ports in the region is intensifying.
The improvement comes after the port underwent changes, achieved in the context of a partnership between the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA), the Government of Tanzania and global port operator DP World, which has been operating in the port since 2024.
DP World says that since taking over the operations, it has been concentrating on investment in port infrastructure, modern equipment, operational improvement and skills development of its employees. All of these measures have targeted the reduction of vessel waiting times, the increase of cargo handling efficiency and the overall movement of goods through the port.
One of the biggest gains has been in the operations of container vessels. Previously ships would have to wait more than 10 days to berth, but now they can berth on arrival, DP World says. The waiting time should significantly benefit shipping lines, importers, exporters and transport companies that use the Dar es Salaam gateway.
Cargo volumes are also relatively high. DP World has announced a 78% increase in container volumes for the first eight months of 2026, compared to the corresponding period of the previous year. Roll-on/roll-off (RORO) cargo rose 59% and general cargo rose 25%. The volume of dry bulk cargo also increased by 22% during the same period.
The expansion is a part of Tanzania’s efforts to boost the status of Dar es Salaam as a regional logistics hub to serve the domestic market and also landlocked nations in East and Central Africa.
It is especially vital for nations that rely on the port of Dar es Salaam for access to international markets to have efficient ports. Reliance on the port of Dar es Salaam to trade with international markets makes it especially important to have efficient ports in the country. Businesses can benefit from faster vessel handling and cargo clearance, which could help minimize delays and logistics costs in transporting goods from the port to inland places.
The transformation is also expanding the economic activity in Dar es Salaam. The more cargo moves, the more transport, warehousing, trucking, distribution and logistics will be needed, providing opportunities for companies involved with the port and its supply chains.
A more efficient port would boost Tanzania’s competitiveness as a regional trade and logistics hub. It also puts additional strain on other ports in the region to become more efficient in order to develop alternative trade routes in East Africa.
The new CPPI ranking is thus not only an improvement in the global ranking, but it is also an upgrade in terms of the quality of the position. It gives a glimpse of the changes that are happening in one of the most important trade gateways in Tanzania.
There are some challenges to be faced, but the improvements in the performance of Dar es Salaam port show how infrastructure investment, technology, operational improvements and partnerships can have an impact on the performance of a major port.
As trade and shipping volumes in the Port of Dar es Salaam continue to rise and regional trade expand, further upgrading of the port could enhance the port’s importance as a gateway between Tanzania and neighboring countries to global trade.
