31st July 2025 ushered in a historic milestone for the Central Corridor—an occasion met with beaming optimism by Malawian delegates
and all member states—as the Kwala Dry Port, a strategically pivotal inland terminal, was officially unveiled in Tanzania’s Kibaha District, located approximately 80 km inland.
At this vibrant and ceremonial event, graciously presided over by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the dignitaries from across the region radiated enthusiasm and hope. Representing Malawi were High Commissioner Andrew P.E.Z Kumwenda, Engineer David Mzandu, Secretary for Transport and Public Works and Ms. Daisy Kambalame, C.E.O Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industries—all visibly inspired by the far-reaching potential of the project to transform regional logistics.
In her eloquent keynote address, President Samia Suluhu Hassan underscored that the Kwala Dry Port is engineered to alleviate Dar Es Salaam’s port congestion by redirecting nearly 30 percent of cargo traffic inland, thereby significantly expanding the corridor’s handling capacity.
She further reaffirmed Tanzania’s steadfast commitment to fostering a supportive and cooperative ecosystem for all Central Corridor partners.
In an interview Ambassador Kumwenda emphasised Malawi’s keen vigilance and preparedness:
“The embassy is following the developments with keen interest, with a view to keep the government informed of any strategic implications through the usual channels.”
He highlighted that since Malawian trucks routinely navigate Dar Es Salaam city, every measure Tanzania takes to decongest the port has direct implications for Malawi’s logistics flow and national economy.
In a subsequent interview, Engineer Mzandu reiterated Malawi’s position to utilise every opportunity that contributes to easing logistical challenges for its imports and exports.
“As of now we haven’t received formal invitation for the plot allocations here at Kwala Dry Port otherwise once the communication is made on the procedure Malawi will seize the opportunity.
Having a facility at the dry port will support the existing facility at the port of Dar Es Salaam and indeed provide room for us to increase our volume handling capacity,” said Mzandu.
Advocate Okandju Okonge Flory, Executive Secretary of the Central Corridor Transit Transport Facilitation Agency (CCTTFA), elaborated on the project’s broader regional intentions: the dry port is a cornerstone development designed not only to amplify the throughput of goods but to significantly boost corridor-wide trade efficiency and competitiveness.
He confirmed that each member state has secured a logistics land parcel adjacent to the dry port, earmarked for national goods-holding facilities
“Malawi’s allocation amounts to 10 hectares with Zambia and DRC receiving 20 hectares each, and others such as Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, and Zimbabwe allocated comparable tracts,” said Flory
The E.S said that CCTTFA is on the process of making communication to all member states on all necessary procedures to establish facilities at the dry port.
Spokes Person of the Transporters Association of Malawi, Frank Banda hailed the project as an exciting and transformative opportunity:
“The Kwala Dry Port is an exciting development for Malawian Transporters, it opens more room for us to be competitive and increase our returnees.
For example, the dry port will likely to provide us with space where we will develop our ware houses and holding areas for our trucks there by enhancing our presence which will make us to be preferred by Malawian importers and exporters.”
Banda urged the Malawi government to promptly finalise land formalities and begin infrastructure development at the plot allocated to Malawi, emphasizing the urgent need to address current delays caused by truck congestion in Dar Es Salaam and corresponding inefficiencies.
Once fully operational, the Kwala Dry Port is designed to process approximately 823 containers daily—equivalent to about 300,000 per year—with 30 percent of Dar Port’s container discharge expected to be handled inland.
For Malawi, the commissioning of the Kwala Dry Port opens a promising logistics corridor that will reduce congestion at Dar Port, lower freight tariffs, increase cargo-handling capacity, and amplify regional competitiveness.
As Malawi prepares to move forward with the allocated plot and infrastructure development, the nation is on the verge of seizing a transformational opportunity—one that has the potential to redefine its role in regional transit, trade efficiency, and economic prosperity.
The Central Corridor now comprises seven member states—Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Malawi, Zambia, and Tanzania—all of which rely on the Port of Dar Es Salaam for both exports and imports.