📖 About Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam is Tanzania's largest city and economic powerhouse, handling 90% of the nation's international trade. The Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma was officially inaugurated by President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan on August 1, 2024. By March 2025, the SGR had carried over two million passengers, generating 60.25 billion Tanzanian shillings in revenue.

On June 27, 2025, Tanzania launched freight train services between Dar es Salaam and Dodoma via the modern SGR, with capacity to carry up to 10,000 tonnes per trip—equivalent to 500 trucks. President Samia launched the Kwala Dry Port on July 31, 2025, capable of handling 300,000 containers annually, expected to reduce Dar es Salaam Port congestion by over 30%.

Port development remains a priority with 10 new berths planned, bringing the total to 22. Joint investments have reduced operational costs from 975 billion to 685.2 billion shillings. The African Development Bank leads a US$1.2 billion financing syndication for the SGR extension to Kigoma and beyond. The Isaka-Mwanza section reached 63% completion by May 2025.

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💼 Economy & Culture

Dar es Salaam drives Tanzania's economy through port operations, manufacturing, and services. The SGR railway reduces logistics costs and road congestion while connecting to Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, and the DRC. The Kwala Dry Port integration marks a major step in regional trade hub ambitions. The new timetable effective January 3, 2026 restored services after December 2025 rain damage.

Dar es Salaam culture blends Swahili, Arab, Indian, and African influences. The city's name means "Haven of Peace" in Arabic. Swahili language and culture thrive in markets, music, and cuisine. Traditional taarab music, seafood dishes, and the Kariakoo market bustle define daily life. The ferry connection to Zanzibar maintains centuries-old trade links.

📜 History

Dar es Salaam was founded in 1865 by Sultan Majid of Zanzibar as a summer palace location. German colonizers made it the capital of German East Africa in 1891. The British took over after World War I. At independence in 1961, Dar es Salaam became Tanzania's capital, a status it retained until the official move to Dodoma.

Despite no longer being the official capital, Dar es Salaam remains Tanzania's economic heart. The 21st century brought major infrastructure projects—the SGR railway, port expansion, and dry port development transform the city's connectivity. The 2025 launches of freight services and Kwala Dry Port mark new chapters in East Africa's premier port city.