The World Bank is considering support for a second phase of improvements at the Port of Dar es Salaam after the first phase, funded through a USD 345 million concessional loan, delivered capacity and efficiency gains.

World Bank Regional Vice-President for Eastern and Southern Africa Dr Ndiame Diop disclosed the assessment during a visit to the port, where he inspected work completed under the first phase alongside Finance Minister Khamis Mussa Omar, according to Daily News.

Diop said the institution is assessing possible participation in the next phase as part of efforts to strengthen trade and transport infrastructure and accelerate economic growth across East Africa. He said the first phase had helped improve efficiency and facilitate cargo transportation for Tanzania and neighbouring countries that use Dar es Salaam as a gateway for imports and exports.

Tanzania Ports Authority Director General Plasduce Mbossa said implementation of the current project has reached 85 percent. The investment has helped expand port cargo handling capacity from 14 million tonnes in 2015/16 to 32.8 million tonnes in 2025/26.

The improvements also focused on infrastructure and service delivery systems intended to reduce vessel turnaround time, speed up loading and unloading, and create a more efficient trade environment. Those operational gains are important for Tanzania's role in regional commerce because Dar es Salaam serves domestic importers as well as landlocked markets connected through transport corridors.

The source did not disclose the size, timing or scope of a possible second-phase package. For now, the news is an early signal that the World Bank sees enough performance from the first phase to evaluate another round of infrastructure support. For port users, the key issue will be whether any follow-on investment continues to translate into shorter clearance times and more reliable cargo movement.