Dar es Salaam — The expansion of Mandela Road into an eight-lane highway is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion around the Port of Dar es Salaam, improve cargo movement, and lower transport costs for businesses.
Mandela Road is one of the most important transport corridors in the city. It connects the port to key industrial areas, warehouses, and major highways leading to upcountry regions and neighbouring countries such as Zambia, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
For years, heavy traffic — especially container trucks and fuel tankers — has caused serious delays on the road, leading to long queues, high fuel consumption, road accidents, and increased costs for traders and transporters.
According to transport and infrastructure experts, widening the road from four lanes to eight lanes will allow traffic to move more smoothly by separating heavy commercial vehicles from private cars and public transport.
The project will also include:
Improved drainage systems to prevent flooding during the rainy season
Modern intersections and traffic signals
Dedicated lanes for freight trucks
Better pedestrian crossings and road safety features
Once completed, the upgraded road is expected to cut travel time, improve access to the port, and support faster clearance and delivery of goods.
Business leaders say the project will help make the Port of Dar es Salaam more competitive compared to other ports in the region by reducing delays caused by road congestion.
The government views the project as part of a wider plan to strengthen Tanzania’s role as a regional trade and logistics hub, especially as cargo volumes at the port continue to grow each year.
Construction work is already underway, and authorities have urged road users to be patient during the implementation period, noting that the long-term benefits will outweigh the temporary inconvenience.
