The Tanzanian government has dismissed calls by opposition party ACT Wazalendo to terminate the Malindi Port management contract with Africa Global Logistics (AGL), asserting that the French firm has significantly improved operations.
ACT Wazalendo had urged the cancellation of the deal, arguing that it was not in Tanzania’s best interest. However, the government highlighted a 41 percent increase in revenue since AGL took over in 2023, alongside enhanced port efficiency.
Minister for Works, Communications, and Transport, Dr. Khalid Salum Mohamed, refuted opposition claims, stating that the contract cannot be revoked based on dissatisfaction from a single group. He emphasized that AGL was selected after meeting stringent performance criteria and has since reduced ship waiting times.
Dr. Khalid also addressed concerns about port charges, equipment purchases, and worker conditions, noting that salaries for some employees had increased. He explained that new charges, such as transport fees to the dry port, were introduced due to expanded facilities.
Zanzibar Ports Corporation (ZPC) director, Ali Akif, reported that monthly port revenue had doubled, with government earnings rising from Sh1.4 billion to Sh2.6 billion per month since AGL took over operations on September 18, 2023.