EDECS and DP World partner to modernise Tanzania's gateway

In a major advancement for maritime trade and regional logistics across East and Central Africa, EDECS Group, a leading Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, has secured a strategic contract from DP World. Under this strategic agreement, EDECS is delivering the comprehensive redevelopment and modernisation of seven operational yards at Terminal 1 of Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam Port, which is operated by DP World Dar Es Salaam. Construction works are already progressing actively on-site, demonstrating rapid execution momentum and underscoring EDECS' expanding role in delivering key marine and logistics infrastructure throughout the region.

Under the project scope, EDECS is managing the design and construction of seven dedicated cargo and material handling yards spanning a combined area of 90,000 m², alongside associated gates and supporting utilities. The project incorporates modern infrastructure upgrades, support infrastructure for advanced digital yard management systems, enhanced cargo storage and handling facilities, and sustainable engineering solutions designed to improve operational performance and long-term future readiness. In addition to the core yard developments, EDECS is implementing a comprehensive port-wide fire protection network covering the entire port, including areas beyond the original project scope, as well as a port-wide high-mast lighting system that significantly enhances safety, security, and operational efficiency across all port facilities.

As Tanzania's largest and busiest port, Dar es Salaam Port handles more than 90 per cent of the country's international trade while serving as the primary maritime gateway for seven landlocked countries across East and Central Africa. Beyond supporting Tanzania's domestic trade, the port plays a vital role in regional connectivity and stands as a cornerstone of the country's Vision 2050 ambition to establish itself as Africa's leading logistics and trade hub.

Reflecting rising demand for integrated logistics capacity across East and Central Africa, Dar es Salaam Port has surpassed the 30-million-tonne annual throughput benchmark. This growth aligns with Tanzania's broader shift towards technology-enabled port operations and long-term infrastructure resilience. The Terminal 1 transformation is already delivering measurable results, achieving its highest-ever monthly container throughput of 46,582 TEUs in July 2026, contrasting sharply with the starting benchmark of 13,779 TEUs in May 2024, demonstrating the growing capacity and efficiency of its ongoing modernisation.

Speaking on the strategic importance of the development, Hussein El Dessouky, Chairman and Managing Director of EDECS Group, stated: "We are proud to extend our partnership with DP World through the Dar es Salaam Port Modernisation Project, a development of strategic importance to Tanzania and the region.

Our teams are actively progressing works on-site across the project’s key operational areas, delivering the critical infrastructure required to support safer, smarter, and more efficient port operations. As Dar es Salaam continues to strengthen its role as one of the region’s most important maritime gateways, EDECS is proud to contribute to a project that advances trade connectivity, supports economic growth, and aligns with Tanzania’s long-term national development goals."

Highlighting the swift progress and collaboration, Martin Jacob, CEO of DP World Dar es Salaam, added: "The modernisation of DP World terminal at Dar es Salaam Port remains central to efforts to enhance trade connectivity and logistics efficiency across East and Central Africa. Building on our relationship with EDECS Group, we are pleased to recognise the speed of execution in civil work."

This latest award builds directly on EDECS Group’s proven track record in delivering complex marine, port, and logistics infrastructure projects throughout the Middle East and Africa. With more than three decades of experience and a growing presence across strategic regional markets, the company continues to leverage its engineering expertise to deliver world-class infrastructure that supports economic development, trade facilitation, and sustainable growth.