Staff members assist customers at a shop selling electronic products at the East Africa Commercial and Logistics Center (EACLC) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Dec. 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Emmanuel Herman)
On the second floor of the East Africa Commercial and Logistics Center (EACLC) located just outside of Dar es Salaam, a vibrant hub of commerce is unfolding. This Chinese-funded facility has become a significant landmark for trade not just in Tanzania, but throughout the whole East African region.
Among the bustling aisles lined with clothing and tech products, traders like Ayoub Katuga are witnessing firsthand the transformative power of this modern commercial complex. Katuga, who operates Ascon Africa, a prominent clothing wholesale business, expresses his enthusiasm: “This environment has completely changed how we do business.” The bright and orderly showroom is more than just aesthetic; it acts as a conduit for trust and customer satisfaction.
Katuga’s journey with EACLC began in August when he became one of the first tenants to establish a shop at the center. Since then, his business has expanded, a testament to the center’s ability to facilitate growth. “We’ve opened another shop on the first floor dedicated to wholesale clothing,” he explains, underscoring the rapid success he’s experiencing.
The EACLC isn’t merely a marketplace; it operates as a multi-functional trade and logistics platform, integrating various services like warehousing, shipping coordination, and customs support. This comprehensive design allows businesses to streamline operations, making it easier for traders to connect with markets across borders.
One of the standout features of the EACLC is its draw for regional clients, including those from Zambia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Uganda. “Before, most wholesale trade was concentrated in Kariakoo, which feels congested. Here, everything is modern and well-structured,” Katuga remarked, highlighting the center’s appeal and efficiency.
Just on the ground floor, Wawlyn Limited shines as a beacon of technological advancement, showcasing smart watches and audio devices. Store manager Esther Benedictor Patrick proudly shares, “Business is running well. We are deeply rooted in Africa, and our goal is to expand across the continent.” The decision to establish Wawlyn at the EACLC mirrors a larger ambition: creating long-lasting corporate relationships between Africa and China.
The strategic positioning of the EACLC fosters a reciprocal exchange of goods and services. Chinese enterprises like MAFC have made their mark by dealing in furniture and building materials. Their representative, Wang Xinggang, reflects on the rapid improvements in business since their showroom renovation, emphasizing Tanzania’s strategic advantages: “Political stability, a large population, and access to the sea make it an ideal choice.”
General manager Cathy Wang articulates the center’s overarching mission. “We aimed to build a simpler, more efficient, and safer trade platform,” she said. Her vision stresses the importance of moving beyond fragmented, small-scale operations in order to create an organized, platform-based model that meets the needs of both parties in the China-Africa trade dynamic.
To achieve this goal, the EACLC offers a plethora of functions beyond traditional trading. It boasts smart warehousing, cross-border logistics, and even exhibition services. By unifying these facets under one roof, the center enhances connectivity and operational efficiency, which is crucial for fostering mutual benefits and development.
Currently, the EACLC hosts a diverse array of merchants—Tanzanian, Chinese, and even traders from neighboring countries like Kenya and Somalia. The product spectrum is equally varied, ranging from construction materials to daily necessities and electronics, catering to the dynamic demands of a growing market.
Future innovations at the EACLC include deepening technological integration with smart warehousing, real-time inventory tracking, and enhanced e-commerce connectivity. Cathy Wang envisions a simplified experience for merchants that eliminates the need to seek fragmented logistics solutions, thereby improving overall operational efficiency.
In addition to commerce, the EACLC has catalyzed broader economic cooperation between China and Africa, facilitating Tanzanian participation in significant trade expos in China and encouraging Chinese presence at local trade fairs.
For traders like Katuga, the vibrant ecosystem of EACLC represents more than just an opportunity; it symbolizes a chance to reach new markets and expand businesses. “This place has helped me grow,” he reflects, highlighting the diverse clientele that now travels from across the continent to engage with Tanzanian commerce.
A trader checks clothing displays inside a wholesale showroom at the East Africa Commercial and Logistics Center (EACLC) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Dec. 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Emmanuel Herman)
Cathy Wang, general manager of the East Africa Commercial and Logistics Center (EACLC), speaks during an interview with Xinhua in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Dec. 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Emmanuel Herman)