PMAESA’s Dar forum puts project preparation and inland transport links in focus

Sunday 1st November 2026

By inAfrika Newsroom

Project preparation and links between ports and inland transport networks emerged as central investment priorities at PMAESA’s recent forum in Dar es Salaam. The meeting’s published account calls for better-designed projects and financing structures, without announcing a specific new funding commitment.

The Port Management Association for Eastern and Southern Africa organised the 28–30 October forum with the Tanzania Ports Authority. A PMAESA statement published by Ports Africa on 29 October describes discussions covering infrastructure, finance, public-private partnerships and greener port operations.

Secretary General Andre Ciseau stressed stronger inland connections and the need for practical results. Board Chair Mohammed Abdool highlighted transparent preparation, financial discipline and the allocation of risks in partnerships with private investors.

The agenda brought road and rail networks, inland waterways and dry ports into the investment discussion. PMAESA also described project presentations and investor matching as part of the programme, with improved partnerships and viable projects among its expected outcomes.

A bankable project is one whose expected revenues, costs and risks can support a credible financing arrangement. That requires more than identifying a capacity problem: the project owner must show what will be built, who will operate it and how ongoing costs will be covered.

The distinction matters to businesses moving goods through East African gateways. More quay capacity will have limited value to a shipper if cargo remains delayed elsewhere between the port gate and its final destination.

Connecting investments therefore requires attention to operating arrangements as well as physical infrastructure. Terminal hours, inland transport services and responsibility for transferring cargo between operators can affect whether an upgraded facility delivers a dependable journey.

Recent shipping-line reports of delays at Dar es Salaam and Mombasa illustrate why reliability remains a commercial concern. They provide operating context, while the forum’s proposals still require project-specific appraisal and implementation.

The next useful evidence will be identified projects, published responsibilities, financing agreements and delivery schedules. Until those emerge, investor engagement should be understood as preparation for possible investment rather than completed infrastructure or secured capital.

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