Awarded Contract for Renovation Project for Kigoma Port, a trading hub in West Tanzania

~New Passenger Terminal and Waiting Lounge to Open in the Heart of the Trade Route in East Africa~

  • Civil Engineering
  • Global

February 5, 2025

Shimizu Corporation (President: Kazuyuki Inoue) has recently been awarded a contract by Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) to renovate the Port of Kigoma, located on Lake Tanganyika in the western part of the United Republic of Tanzania. The project, planned as a grant aid initiative by the Japanese government, is aimed at improving the efficiency of passenger transport functions at the intersection of an economic corridor in eastern Africa. The contract is valued at approximately 2.5 billion Japanese yen. This is Shimizu's first construction project in Tanzania, making it the 16th African country where the company has conducted business.

Tanzania, situated on the Indian Ocean coast in East Africa, plays a vital role in the region. Its economy has been growing steadily for many years while maintaining political stability. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicts that Tanzania’s economy will double in size within the next 10 years. The Port of Kigoma, which is set to be renovated, is an inland port that acts as a trade hub with neighboring countries on Lake Tanganyika. It is connected by land to the international trading port of Dar es Salaam on Tanzania’s eastern coast. This land route is a critical piece of trading infrastructure for nearby nations that have difficulties accessing the ocean, including the landlocked countries of Burundi and Zambia. Kigoma Port, located at the junction of lake and land transport, is a key point on East Africa’s trade routes. With over 100 years of history, its facilities have become outdated. Improving the safety and efficiency of passenger boarding, disembarking, and cargo handling is an urgent challenge that must be addressed.

This project, developed in response to these circumstances, involves the expansion of a 130-meter-long passenger wharf, the construction of a passenger waiting facility, and the development of an access road connecting the wharf to the main road. These improvements are expected to enhance the passenger transport capabilities of the Port of Kigoma and promote the movement of goods and people.

Since 1967, Shimizu has maintained a strong presence in Africa, dedicating in 95 projects across 15 countries. In January 2024, the company established its African headquarters in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, as part of a strategic initiative to expand its operations across the continent. For nearly 30 years, the Japanese government has also supported Africa's self-driven development, beginning with the launch of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in 1993. Shimizu continues to strengthen its business activities in African countries, focusing particularly on projects backed by the Japanese government in East Africa, such as Tanzania, as well as in West Africa. The company remains dedicated to contributing to the sustainable development of African nations.

≪For Reference≫

Overview of the project

Project The Project for Rehabilitation of Kigoma Port
Location Kigoma, United Republic of Tanzania
Client Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA)
Consultant Echo Corporation
Contractor Shimizu Corporation
Construction period April 2025 to March 2027 (Planned period)
Construction details Passenger wharf extension (130m long, 50m wide),
passenger terminal building (Single-story, 1,500m2),
Access road (concrete pavement, 480m long), etc.
Illustration of Kigoma Port after completion (Passenger wharf and passenger terminal building)
Commemorative photo taken after the contract signing ceremony
(Right) Mr. Plasduce M. MBOSSA, Director General of Tanzania Ports Authority
(Left) Kazuya OSAKO, Managing Officer and Director, International Civil Engineering Division of Shimizu Corporation

The information contained in this news release is the current information on the date of publication. Please be aware that this information may have changed by the time you view it. Please contact the company to inquire for further details.