Chinese-built logistics hub expands role in East African commerce

The East Africa Commercial and Logistics Center (EACLC), a Chinese-built trade hub in Dar es Salaam, is gaining traction as a regional platform for wholesale trade and logistics, attracting merchants from across East Africa and strengthening commercial links between China and Africa.

Located in the Ubungo area on the outskirts of Tanzania’s main port city, the centre brings together showrooms, warehousing, customs support, shipping coordination and business services under one roof. The project is aimed at reducing trade bottlenecks and improving efficiency in cross-border commerce involving Tanzania, China and neighbouring African markets.

Local traders say the facility is already reshaping trading patterns. Ayoub Katuga, Managing Director of Ascon Africa, said operating from the centre has changed how his wholesale clothing business functions. Katuga, who opened his first outlet at the centre in August, has since expanded operations. His clients include buyers from Zambia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Burundi and Uganda.

Technology and consumer electronics firms are also establishing a presence. Wawlyn Limited, which specialises in wearable and smart devices, began operations at the centre in early August. Store manager Esther Benedictor Patrick said the location supports the company’s pan-African expansion strategy. "Business is running well," she said.

Chinese enterprises are likewise expanding operations at EACLC. MAFC, a Chinese company dealing in furniture, lighting and building materials, officially opened its showroom in October after renovating its premises. Company representative Wang Xinggang cited Tanzania’s strategic location, port access and development potential as key factors behind the investment.

According to EACLC General Manager Cathy Wang, the centre was developed to address inefficiencies in China–Africa trade. "Our original intention was to build a simpler, more efficient and safer trade platform," she said. "By addressing information asymmetry and high logistics costs, we aim to move China-Africa trade away from fragmented, small-scale operations toward a more organised, platform-based model."

She said the facility is designed as a two-way trade gateway rather than a conventional market. "Beyond wholesale and retail functions, the centre integrates supply chain coordination, smart warehousing, cross-border logistics, exhibition services and on-site spot procurement," Wang said.

The centre currently hosts merchants from China and Tanzania, as well as traders from Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Somalia. Products traded include construction materials, machinery, electronics, textiles and daily consumer goods.

EACLC plans to further expand digital capabilities, including smart warehousing systems, real-time inventory tracking and e-commerce connectivity. "Merchants will not need to look for fragmented logistics providers anymore," Wang said. "They will be able to monitor inventory and orders in real time, improving operational efficiency."

Beyond commercial operations, the centre has facilitated Tanzanian participation in trade exhibitions in China and supported Chinese firms’ participation in Tanzania’s annual Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair, reflecting its growing role in broader China–Africa economic cooperation.