The Tanzanian government has announced that construction of the long-awaited Bagamoyo Port will begin on December 14, marking the revival of one of East Africa’s most ambitious infrastructure projects after more than a decade of delays.

Gerson Msigwa, Chief Government Spokesperson, confirmed on Sunday that preparations were underway, with construction machinery already en route to the coastal project site located about 75 kilometres north of Dar es Salaam. He said the new port will feature 28 berths and a depth of up to 20 metres, allowing it to accommodate some of the largest vessels operating in the region.

“The port will be able to handle ships with a capacity of up to 25,000 containers,” Msigwa told reporters, noting that the facility is expected to surpass existing ports in eastern Africa in terms of size and capacity.

Bagamoyo Port is part of a broader special economic zone blueprint that includes industrial parks, road networks, and rail links designed to position Tanzania as a major trade and manufacturing hub. However, the project stalled for years after the government objected to unfavourable terms in the 2013 framework agreement signed with Chinese and Omani developers.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan reignited negotiations shortly after assuming office in 2021, saying the government was committed to reviving the estimated $10 billion project under terms more beneficial to Tanzania.

Further details on the financing structure and construction partners were not disclosed, but officials said updates will be provided as the project progresses.