ANALYSTS and economists have welcomed the launch of the East Africa Commercial and Logistics Centre (EACLC), hailing it as a significant milestone that strengthens Tanzania’s path toward industrialisation, accelerates economic growth and advances its drive to attain upper middle-income status.
They said that the EACLC’s establishment serves as a strategic hub to bolster diplomatic relations, especially in economic cooperation, placing Tanzania as a trusted regional partner and a key market for China.
The centre was inaugurated on Friday at Ubungo in Dar es Salaam by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Speaking yesterday via a telephone interview with the ‘Sunday News’, business expert and a senior lecturer at St Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT), Dr Sylvester Jotta said the centre will boost both domestic and regional trade by enabling Tanzania to access not only the Chinese market but also markets within the East African Community (EAC).
He explained that the centre will enhance trade infrastructure, including warehouses, road networks, rail connections and dry ports, all of which are vital to streamlining logistics and supporting industrial activities.
He added that the EACLC will contribute to both individual and national income growth, while reducing poverty through the creation of countless direct and indirect employment opportunities.
Moreover, it is expected to stimulate growth in related sectors such as hospitality, transport and food supply.
Dr Jotta also expressed appreciation for the government under President Samia’s leadership, commending the successful development of the Kwala dry port. He noted that the area now hosts a range of factories producing goods for both domestic use and export.
The launch of the East Africa Commercial and Logistics Centre (EACLC) is expected to significantly increase the export of locally produced goods, particularly agricultural products, as Tanzania positions itself as a regional trade hub.
“This development will boost the export of Tanzanian goods, especially agricultural produce, by connecting local traders with partners from East African Community (EAC) member states and China,” said Dr Isaack Safari, an economist and lecturer at St. Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT).
Dr Safari explained that the centre will simplify access to a variety of goods that previously required Tanzanian traders to travel to China. With the EACLC now operational, such products will be available locally, reducing transport and logistics costs while improving the efficiency of trade.
“The centre also opens doors for Tanzanian exporters, providing a platform to directly connect with Chinese buyers and other international markets,” he added.
Addressing concerns from domestic traders, particularly in Kariakoo, Dr Safari assured that the centre would not stifle local businesses through unfair competition. Instead, it is expected to enhance commercial competitiveness, expand market access and stimulate broader economic growth.
He encouraged Tanzanian traders to take full advantage of the opportunities presented by the EACLC, especially by focusing on value-added, locally produced goods to strengthen their position in the market. Dr Safari also urged authorities to ensure equitable participation in the centre’s operations.
ALSO READ: EACLC set to drive industrialisation, regional trade integration
“It’s important that foreign traders, especially from China do not dominate all opportunities. Fair access must be protected to empower local businesses and improve Tanzania’s export capacity, particularly in the agricultural sector,” he said.
He called on local entrepreneurs to invest in quality production, describing the newly launched East Africa Commercial and Logistics Centre (EACLC) as a catalyst for innovation and knowledge exchange.
He noted that the centre has the potential to position Tanzania as a future manufacturer of internationally competitive products capable of thriving in the global marketplace.
Echoing the sentiment, economist and University of Dar es Salaam lecturer, Professor Humphrey Mushi applauded the government’s efforts to strengthen the private sector’s role in contributing to national income through strategic initiatives like the EACLC.
However, Prof Mushi stressed the need for continued government support to address persistent challenges facing the private sector, including limited access to capital, regulatory barriers and stiff competition from foreign players, particularly Chinese businesses.
Meanwhile, Halima Mohammed, an entrepreneur and tenant at the EACLC who specialises in home interior décor, welcomed the development, highlighting its potential to uplift small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
he insisted that the centre is likely to create new employment opportunities, especially for youth and women, as increased investment flows into the country.
“This kind of investment will help broaden the trade landscape across East African Community member states,” she said.
Source: Daily News
