Three of the world’s largest metal companies—China Metal Storage and Transport Company (CMST), Mercuria, and their jointly owned subsidiary, Henry Bath & Son Ltd—are evaluating Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam Port as a strategic hub for their African trade operations, The Citizen reported on March 24.

The firms visited Tanzania at the invitation of Dubai-based global logistics and port management company DP World and the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) to assess potential partnerships. Their interest highlights the port’s rising status as a gateway for global trade. 

In October 2023, Tanzania signed a $250mn deal with DP World for exclusive management of four of Dar es Salaam’s docks, 12 moorings and of four more in partnership with the TPA.

“This is a clear indication of the confidence the global market has in DP World’s operations at Dar es Salaam Port,” DP World Tanzania CEO Martin Jacob is quoted as saying by The Citizen.

TPA’s Acting Deputy Director-General, Baraka Mdima, assured them of the port’s capability. “Our terminal operator is performing well, so we expect you to receive all the services you need,” he is quoted as saying.

Despite their dominance in global metal markets, the companies have a minimal presence in Africa. CMST, a leading Chinese metal storage firm, manages extensive mineral trade operations. Mercuria, one of the world’s top five metal trading firms with an annual turnover exceeding $180bn, re-entered the sector in August 2024. Henry Bath & Son Ltd, based in London, is a major participant in the London Metals Exchange (LME), Daily News reported on March 24.

CMST sees Dar es Salaam as a key entry point.

“This is our next strategic location. We currently have no presence here, but we see Dar es Salaam Port as a key hub with growing trade volumes,” CMST President Wang Haibin said as quoted by The Citizen.

Mercuria’s Head of Metals and Minerals for Africa, Leo D’Offay, underscored Africa’s role as a raw material source. “With our re-entry into the metals market, this strategic partnership will help us expand our footprint in Africa,” he is quoted as saying.

Henry Bath & Son Ltd’s CEO, Peter Waszkis, highlighted logistics needs.

“We are here to meet key players and explore the best ways to enter this market, particularly in shipping and infrastructure. Dar es Salaam is well-positioned in Sub-Saharan Africa, and we need to be here,” he said as quoted by The Citizen.

The firms plan to develop logistics solutions to streamline mineral exports, particularly from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), addressing loading and documentation delays.