Dar es Salaam.
More than 100 STAKEHOLDERS from Government institutions, port and transport authorities, the private transport sector, importers, exporters and cargo owners have met in Dar es Salaam to discuss port efficiency and sustainability of its operations through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP). The public-private sector dialogue meeting aimed to identify trade and transport challenges at Tanzanian ports, discuss practical solutions through collaboration between the two sectors, as well as look at ways to facilitate trade and develop port infrastructure. 

The main topic of the discussion was “Driving Sustainable Port Operations through Public-Private Partnerships.” Opening the discussion, the Executive Director of the Public-Private Partnership Center (PPP - Centre), David Kafulila, said the port and transportation sector is an important pillar of the national economy and has a significant contribution to economic growth if it is adequately invested. He said the Sixth Phase Government has decided to involve the private sector in finding and implementing solutions to economic challenges through PPP projects, a move aimed at increasing capital, efficiency and technology in the implementation of development projects.

For his part, retired Colonel Joseph Simbakalia, who was a keynote speaker on the use of PPP in Business infrastructure development, said it was important for strategic sectors to be owned, controlled and operated by Tanzanians. He stressed the importance of adhering to the local content policy by giving Tanzanians priority in strategic projects, including setting conditions for investors to ensure a certain percentage of ownership and participation is held by locals.

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