DAR ES SALAAM, Nov 24 - Tanzania is set to begin building a new port in the eastern part of the country next month, marking the end of a ten-year delay caused by disagreements with foreign developers over the initial contract terms.

This new port, located about 75 kilometers (47 miles) north of the commercial capital, Dar es Salaam, is part of a larger special economic zone initiative. This initiative includes plans for industrial parks and improved rail and road connections.

Gerson Msigwa, the government spokesperson, informed the press on Sunday that the port will feature 28 berths, with construction starting on 14 of them initially.

He mentioned that construction machinery is on its way, although he did not provide additional details. The port is designed to have a depth of up to 20 meters, making it capable of accommodating larger ships than any other port in East Africa.

“The port will be able to handle vessels carrying up to 25,000 containers,” he added, but he did not disclose the project's total cost or the contractor involved.

Tanzania signed a framework agreement with two developers, China Merchants Holdings International and Oman’s State General Reserve Fund, back in 2013. However, progress was stalled because the government felt the terms were not beneficial for the country.

After taking office in 2021, President Samia Suluhu Hassan initiated negotiations to revive the $10 billion project.