Tanzania’s cross-border trade is flourishing, with exports exceeding imports, according to the Bank of Tanzania (BoT).
However, challenges remain, particularly at border crossings like Tunduma, where congestion hampers trade efficiency.
Tanzania’s trade balance improves, but border congestion remains a challenge.
To maintain this progress, the Tanzania Truck Owners Association (Tatoa) has urged measures to alleviate traffic congestion at border points, especially in Tunduma, to improve the flow of goods to neighbouring nations.
The central bank’s report indicates that goods worth Sh9.25 trillion were exported in 2020/2021, up to Sh10.54 trillion valued shipped in 2023/2024.
However, export growth has been relatively slow compared to imports, which saw an increase of over 80 percent during the same period.
The document shows that the value of imported goods grew from Sh3.23 trillion in 2020/2021 to Sh6.06 trillion in 2023/2024.
Tatoa vice chairman Rahim Dossa noted that transporters, especially those serving Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), have seen business growth, blaming significant delays at border points like Tunduma.
He explained that trucks can wait seven to ten days at the border due to congestion, with cargo transported in stages, further slowing the process.
“Currently, lorries cross in phases-one day for those carrying containers, the following for tankers. This delays the transport cycle,” said Mr Dossa, urging the government to focus more on stamping out the challenges.
He praised the Tanzanian government’s efforts but emphasised that issues persist on the other side of the border.
Transport Minister Prof Makame Mbarawa acknowledged improvements on the Tanzanian side and mentioned that collaboration with neighbouring countries is underway.
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