Trade relations between India and Tanzania are gaining momentum, supported by expanding maritime connectivity, investments in port infrastructure and growing commercial cooperation between the two countries.
Bilateral trade between India and Tanzania reached US$9.02 billion in 2025–26, according to Indian Government trade statistics, highlighting the growing importance of the East African nation as a trading partner for India.
A key development supporting this growth is the expansion of direct container shipping connections between the two countries. Services linking India’s west coast with Dar es Salaam have increased from one to four over the past two years, with all four services connecting Adani’s Mundra Port with Dar es Salaam Port.
The additional services are expected to provide greater shipping capacity, improved connectivity and more options for exporters and importers, supporting the development of reliable and efficient supply chains across the Indian Ocean.
Dar es Salaam strengthens its position as an East African gateway
The Tanzanian Government is undertaking improvements at Dar es Salaam Port, focusing on infrastructure, cargo-handling capacity and operational efficiency. Connectivity with inland markets is also being strengthened through the development of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), Meter Gauge Railway (MGR) and TAZARA railway network.
Tanzania’s Minister of Transport, Prof. Makame Mnyaa Mbarawa, said reliable maritime connectivity is essential to the country’s ambitions of expanding trade, attracting investment and establishing Dar es Salaam as a competitive regional logistics hub.
He emphasised that the port’s development, supported by efficient rail and road connectivity, would help facilitate cargo movement not only within Tanzania but also to wider East and Central African markets.
TEAGTL handles nearly one million TEUs
Tanzania East Africa Gateway Terminal Limited (TEAGTL), which operates Container Terminal 2 at Dar es Salaam Port, has been investing in infrastructure, equipment, technology and workforce development to improve terminal productivity and service reliability.
The terminal handled close to one million TEUs in 2025, contributing to an increase of more than 21% in Dar es Salaam Port’s cargo volumes over the preceding two years.
TEAGTL Director Shahzad Athar highlighted the complementary strengths of Mundra and Dar es Salaam, noting that Mundra’s scale, capacity and integrated logistics capabilities, combined with Dar es Salaam’s strategic location and regional reach, could further strengthen the India–East Africa trade corridor.
Gateway to landlocked African markets
Dar es Salaam Port’s significance extends beyond Tanzania’s bilateral trade with India. It also serves neighbouring landlocked countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia and Malawi.
Continued investment in port infrastructure, railway connectivity and cargo evacuation systems will be important in supporting growing regional transit cargo and strengthening East Africa’s integration into global supply chains.
Expanding India–Africa trade opportunities
Tanzania exports gold, cashew nuts, pulses, timber, spices, ores and gemstones to India, while Indian exports include petroleum products, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, motor vehicles, electrical goods, iron and steel products, sugar and machinery.
With bilateral relations elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2023, both countries are looking to expand cooperation across manufacturing, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, logistics and energy.
The expansion of direct shipping services between Mundra and Dar es Salaam represents an important step in strengthening maritime links between India and East Africa, creating new opportunities for businesses and supporting the growth of bilateral and regional trade.