New East African Trade and Logistics Center Set to Transform Tanzania’s Economy
Esther Mnyika
Dar es Salaam, July 25, 2025 – Tanzania is on the cusp of a major economic transformation with the impending launch of the East African Community Logistics Center (EACLC). The grand opening, scheduled for August 2, will be graced by Her Excellency, President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, marking a significant milestone for regional trade and economic integration.
Gilead Teri, Director General of the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA), announced today that the colossal project, located in Dar es Salaam, has been completed at a cost exceeding 282.7 billion Tanzanian Shillings. The EACLC is not merely a trading hub; it’s a catalyst for job creation and economic diversification. It features over 2,000 business outlets and is projected to create 15,000 direct jobs and an additional 50,000 indirect employment opportunities.
“The completion of this center will help increase the value of trade sales by over 300 billion Tanzanian Shillings annually,” Teri stated during a press briefing. He emphasized the center’s role in bolstering national economic growth and facilitating the entry of Tanzanian products into international markets.
Fostering Economic Decentralization and Regional Ties
Teri called upon other local government authorities across Tanzania to allocate land for similar development projects. He believes such initiatives are vital for economic decentralization and will contribute significantly to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Addressing concerns about the impact on traditional markets, Teri reassured the public that the new center is not intended to compete with existing hubs like Kariakoo. “Kariakoo will not die, and this center is not in competition with Kariakoo,” he affirmed, highlighting that the EACLC aims to complement and expand the country’s trading capacity. He further underscored that the project is designed to enhance regional and international relationships, drawing in business stakeholders from various nations.
Direct Benefits for Ubungo Residents
Andambike Kyomo, Head of Planning and Coordination at Ubungo Municipal Council, where the EACLC is situated, expressed optimism about the direct benefits for the local populace. He projected that the municipality would collect one billion Tanzanian Shillings in taxes annually once the center is fully operational. These revenues, Kyomo noted, would directly fund public services for the residents.
Seizing New Opportunities
Cathy Wang, Director General of the EACLC, urged businesses to leverage the opportunities presented by the new facility. She underscored the center’s strategic importance in strengthening and promoting economic and regional cooperation.
“TISEZA and Ubungo Municipal Council have been instrumental in providing policy guidance and investor incentives, ensuring that this plan aligns perfectly with Tanzania’s vision,” Wang stated, acknowledging the collaborative effort behind the project.
Construction of the EACLC began in May 2023 and was successfully completed this year, demonstrating a swift and efficient execution of a project poised to significantly impact Tanzania’s economic trajectory.