Tanzania Plans To Establish Regional Maritime Transport University To Boost Professionalism In The Economic Sector
TANZANIA is planning to establish a Regional Maritime Transport University (RMU), a facility expected to serve as a centre for education, training, research and innovation in Africa’s maritime transport sector.
The establishment of the university would place Tanzania in a more strategic position to strengthen the country’s maritime transport sector and promote the blue economy.
The plan was unveiled by Deputy Minister for Transport Dr David Kihenzile during a press conference in Dar es Salaam on preparations for the 10th General Assembly of the Ministerial Conference of the Maritime Organisation for Eastern, Southern and Northern Africa (MOESNA).
Dr Kihenzile was speaking on behalf of the Minister for Transport, Prof Makame Mbarawa.
He said Tanzania was keen to partner with MOESNA member states to establish the university, accelerate skills development and produce professionals who would contribute to the growth of the maritime transport sector.
The meeting is scheduled to take place on October 15 this year at Johari Rotana Hotel in Dar es Salaam, bringing together approximately 26 ministers responsible for transport and logistics from member states.
Dr Kihenzile noted that the envisaged university would serve as a Regional Centre of Excellence, addressing the needs of member states while strengthening research and innovation and preparing a new generation of maritime transport professionals.
He added that the development of the sector could not rely solely on investments in ports, ships and infrastructure, but also skilled professionals equipped with appropriate technology, knowledge and quality training.
During the meeting, ministers are expected to discuss ways to promote trade by expanding cargo and passenger shipping services between African ports, as well as strengthening the participation of African shipping companies in regional and international trade.
“Maritime transport is key to Africa’s economic development, as more than 90 per cent of the continent’s international trade is transported by sea,” he insisted.
He added that more than 80 per cent of global merchandise trade by volume is carried by sea, underscoring the importance of efficient ports and effective transport systems.
Speaking about Tanzania’s strategic position, Prof Mbarawa said the country’s location along the Indian Ocean coast and its access to the Great Lakes of Victoria, Tanganyika and Nyasa gave it an important role in facilitating trade between Eastern, Central and Southern Africa and global markets.
He stated that the Port of Dar es Salaam handles approximately 90 per cent of Tanzania’s international trade while also serving neighbouring countries, including Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Burundi, Rwanda, Malawi and Uganda.
“Cargo handled at the port increased from 18.41 million tonnes in the 2021/22 financial year to 33.75 million tonnes in 2025/26, representing an increase of approximately 83 per cent,” he detailed.
The meeting will also be attended by representatives of regional and international institutions, including the African Union (AU), the African Development Bank (AfDB), the East African Community (EAC), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO).