A key logistics artery in Africa’s copper supply chain has been temporarily severed following political unrest in Tanzania, causing ripple effects across the continent’s mining sector. The Port of Dar es Salaam—central to copper exports from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia—is currently closed, halting shipments to China and forcing producers to reroute cargo.
The disruption comes at a critical time for copper traders, with China consuming over half of global copper output. Dar es Salaam has long been the preferred export hub due to its competitive freight rates and proximity to the copperbelt. Industry estimates suggest that nearly two-thirds of Africa’s copper exports to China typically pass through this port.
With the port’s warehouses shuttered—confirmed by logistics operator C Steinweg Group—cargo already delivered remains stranded. Producers and traders are now diverting shipments to alternative ports including Durban (South Africa), Walvis Bay (Namibia), and Beira (Mozambique), leading to congestion and logistical bottlenecks.
While stakeholders hope the closure will be short-lived, the incident highlights the fragility of Africa’s mining logistics and the urgent need for diversified export corridors. As global demand for copper intensifies, infrastructure resilience will be key to maintaining Africa’s competitive edge in mineral exports.
MiningFocus Africa will continue to monitor developments and provide updates on the evolving impact to regional trade and mining operations.
