Farmers and local entrepreneurs in Rukwa Region are experiencing a significant economic boost thanks to the Kabwe port on Lake Tanganyika, which has become a key player in enhancing cross-border trade between Tanzania and the land-linked Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Burundi.
Situated in Nkasi District, the Kabwe port has opened up opportunities for traders and small farmers to supply goods and services to Moba and Kalemie provinces in the DRC. This surge in cross-border trade has not only increased money circulation but has also elevated the livelihoods of the residents in Nkasi District.
DRC citizens heavily rely on Tanzania for essential commodities such as rice, maize, sugar, cement, and other building materials. The geographical proximity of Moba Port, just 24 kilometers from Kabwe Port, and 78 kilometers from Kalemie Port, connected by air and train to Lubumbashi in Katanga Province, has facilitated the seamless flow of goods.
Maize grower, Issack Mdude, expresses the positive impact: "More traders from within and outside Tanzania are now buying food crops and ferrying them to DRC, Burundi, and Kigoma. Our economies have improved substantially."
Before the construction of Kabwe Port, traders faced challenges finding reliable markets, but now buyers are coming directly to Nkasi, ensuring a steady market for farmers' produce.
Cricensia Godgiven, a maize and rice buyer from Nkasi District, praises the government for improving water transportation, which she finds more cost-effective than other modes of transport. She commends the fair charges by the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA), paying 7,000/- for each tonne.
Kabwe Port, operational since April 2020, handles an average of 1,200 tonnes of cargo and 400 passengers monthly, with a significant portion destined for DRC. The port's strategic location and modern infrastructure, including a well-constructed jetty and essential port facilities, highlight the government's commitment to bolstering water transport infrastructure.
The port has not only facilitated trade but has also provided a gateway for farmers to supply cereals like cassava, maize, rice, and sugar to Moba Port in DRC, fostering regional economic cooperation.While truck owner Mohamed Swedi acknowledges the positive impact on business, he calls for improvements in the road connecting Kabwe Port to the Katavi-Rukwa highway to further enhance transportation efficiency.
Despite these challenges, Kabwe Port has undoubtedly become a vital economic hub, fostering prosperity, and securing safety and security for traders, passengers, and their properties in the region.