Tanzania Fisheries Corporation signs deal for deep-sea vessels

The Tanzania Fisheries Corporation (TAFICO) has signed a contract with China’s Rongcheng Xinyang Ship Industry Limited to construct three deep-sea fishing vessels. The agreement, signed on August 24, 2026, in Dar es Salaam, aims to enhance productivity and strengthen the nation’s fisheries sector.

The project is part of the Agricultural and Fisheries Development Programme (AFDP), which is funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). Under this arrangement, TAFICO will receive two vessels for mainland Tanzania, while the Zanzibar Fisheries Corporation (ZAFICO) will receive one vessel.

Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Dr. Bashiru Kakurwa, stated that the initiative aligns with the 2025 Election Manifesto and the National Development Vision 2050 to transform the fisheries industry. Government officials noted that the construction of these vessels is a critical step toward maximizing the utilization of Tanzania’s marine resources and driving economic growth.