Africa’s economic reset requires moving from ambition to execution
The Africa Commerce Convergence Summit keynote address identified four elements that must converge if the continent is to achieve a meaningful economic reset.
SUPPLY CHAIN
Tanzania unveils new East African Commercial and Logistics Centre
By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2025
Centre aims to improve cargo handling at Port of Dar es Salaam, expand export opportunities, and enhance cross-border trade.
Tanzania has opened a new commercial and logistics centre in the country’s largest city, Dar es Salaam, to improve trade infrastructure for countries in the region that rely on the port of Dar es Salaam.
Photo: Government of Tanzania
The East Africa Commercial and Logistics Centre – locally known as the EACLC – cost around US$110-million to build, spans 75,000 square metres, and has over 2,000 commercial units, as well as warehousing and logistics capacity.
Among its aims is to improve cargo handling and reduce time and costs associated with cross-border trade. Countries that could benefit from the efficiencies include Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe and the DRC.
The EACLC will also expand export opportunities for local Tanzanian businesses and small-scale entrepreneurs.
Speaking at official opening event, President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania said the EACLC is an opportunity for Tanzania to scale up its competitiveness in the regional and continental trade landscape.
“This facility will be instrumental in promoting exports of locally processed agricultural and other value-added goods,” the President stated.
“When I toured the complex this morning, I was pleased to meet young Tanzanians engaged in value addition for export. It is encouraging to see the youth benefiting from such opportunities.”
She added that Tanzania’s export businesses should uphold the highest standards of quality, given that every product bearing the ‘Made in Tanzania’ mark must reflect the country’s image and reputation.
“Let us not compromise on quality. Every item exported with our country’s label speaks for all of us,” the President emphasised.
Customs clearance time significantly reduced
Tanzania’s government expects that, by concentrating commercial activities in one integrated zone at the EACLC, it can cut customs clearance time from the current seven days to just three.
“This facility positions Tanzania favourably. It will encourage regional players to choose our country as their preferred destination for commercial and logistics services,” the President noted.
The Port of Dar es Salaam is Tanzania’s largest and principal port, handling over 90% of the country’s maritime trade. It is a key trade hub for East and Central Africa, serving not only Tanzania but also neighbouring landlocked countries.
Momentum Group appoints chief marketing and communications officer
Vongani Mageza brings more than 20 years’ experience across financial services and FMCG) companies such as FNB and Diageo.
AI and algorithm-led engagement among the challenges facing marketers
AI agents will influence shopping, algorithms will supersede social connections, and the clip economy will change how brands connect.
Absa bank launches pan-African campaign with athlete Eliud Kipchoge
The brand partnership includes a new TV commercial featuring Kipchoge, digital storytelling, wellness initiatives and community programmes.
How traditional trade is being reimagined, but remains ‘traditional’
Modern retail in Africa is still dwarfed by the traditional trade. Marketers who dismiss this relationship-heavy retail model do so at their peril.
How luxury brands become a source of meaningfulness for employees
Research finds brands don’t just sell products. They can also provide employees with stories through which they feel their work is meaningful
Redefining honesty in a crisis: Why truth alone is not enough
Honesty must be demonstrated through transparency, accountability and action – shaping both reputation and future trust following a crisis.
Lesotho bank’s culturally intelligent campaign beats bigger rivals
In the funeral plan category, where most advertisements look like an obituary, Standard Lesotho Bank opted to ‘sell the cow’, not the policy.
AMC magazine brings latest news and insights for Africa’s marketers
Strategic Marketing for Africa, the publication for deep-thinking African marketing professionals, is not to be missed.
Global study of marketers and agencies is coming to Kenya for first time
CEO of Scopen says the expansion into East Africa is a natural progression following the success of the research in South Africa.
Huge African and Caribbean trade potential can be unlocked, study finds
Report says around 80% of Africa’s annual goods export potential to the Caribbean remains untapped.