Recognising the China-Africa relationship

Growing opportunities between Africa and China

CHINA: Speaking in China, Tanzania’s Alternate Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Dr Devotha Mandanda, has highlighted the growing opportunities for cooperation between China and Africa in the maritime sector, citing green shipping, port development, and trade facilitation as key areas of collaboration.

During her presentation at the 10th Maritime Silk Road Port Cooperation Forum 2026 in China, Dr Mandanda said Tanzania is keen to learn from China's experience in developing smart and environmentally sustainable ports. She noted that while Chinese ports have made significant progress in digitalisation and green development, Tanzania is still at the early stages of integrating green shipping concepts into its maritime sector.

The Forum opened on May 27 in Ningbo, east China's Zhejiang Province, bringing together leading figures of the port and shipping sector from more than 70 countries and regions to discuss opportunities and challenges facing the sector amid geopolitical changes.

She spoke about Tanzania’s immediate priorities to raise awareness and strengthen institutional capacity as well as conduct research to identify investment opportunities aimed at assisting the country to adapt to emerging global maritime trends. She also pointed to Tanzania's potential to develop green fuels such as green methanol, green ethanol, and green hydrogen, emphasising the importance of technology transfer and international partnerships.

Mandanda welcomed China's recent decision to grant zero-tariff access to exports from African countries with diplomatic relations with China, describing the initiative as a major boost for trade and investment. She said the policy is expected to increase African exports, improve customs clearance efficiency, and reduce logistics costs.

She further noted that increased trade volumes will require stronger port infrastructure. In this regard, she highlighted the ongoing expansion and modernisation of the Port of Dar es Salaam.

Underlining the importance of multimodal transport systems, she confirmed that investments in ports, railways, roads, and related infrastructure would be critical to unlocking Tanzania's strategic position as a regional logistics hub.

She expressed confidence that continued cooperation between Tanzania and China will contribute to a greener, more efficient, and sustainable maritime industry for the benefit of both countries and the wider African continent.

PHOTO: Dr Devotha Mandanda at the 10th Maritime Silk Road Port Cooperation Forum 2026 in China. (Photo Source: Tanzania Shipping Agency Company)