Tanzania has entered into a 30-year port management agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that has generated opposition, but aims to enhance the nation’s port capabilities.

The deal involves Dubai Port (DP) World assuming control of four berths or quays at Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s largest port, and partnering with the Tanzania Ports Authority to oversee three additional berths. DP World will also invest $250 million in port infrastructure upgrades over the next five years.

However, the agreement has encountered criticism from activists, citizens, and opposition politicians who argue that it favors the UAE-based company to the detriment of Tanzania. In response to protests against the deal, the government has detained more than 22 individuals, with some subsequently released, as reported by Amnesty International.

Tanzanian authorities contend that the agreement does not encompass all port operations in the country and maintain the right to terminate the contracts when required. The nation aspires to bolster its national revenue and operational efficiency with this new partnership.