Global trade is evolving at a rapid pace, and the Port of Toamasina intends to keep up. The port’s expansion is entering a new phase. The Port of Toamasina Autonomous Management Company (SPAT) aims to establish a new dry port to maximize container storage before their transshipment to Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean. This is the strategic bet made by the company’s management, which aspires to position Toamasina as the primary hub in the region.
This initiative stems from a clear observation: “Currently, some goods destined for Madagascar transit through intermediate ports like Reunion Island or Mauritius before arriving in the country. This situation increases transport costs for economic operators. If a commodity should cost 10 ariary, it ends up costing 12 after these multiple transits. If we expand the port, there will be no issues regarding logistics, and shipping companies will come to us,” stated Heritiana Anicet Randriambahoaka, Director General of SPAT, yesterday.
The main challenge is therefore logistical. A larger port will allow for the accommodation of bigger container ships as well as a higher volume of goods. “The development of the dry port III is primarily intended to streamline port flows. It will be built in Tsarakofafa, a locality straddling the RN2, situated at the southern entrance of the city of Toamasina,” company officials explained to TVM.
This site was acquired by the port company in 1997 in anticipation of an increase in maritime traffic. Today, with the development of global commercial flows, this dry port is an absolute necessity to bring in foreign currency and ensure commercial and logistical activities around the port. The expected economic impact is substantial. Analysts estimate that dry port III could generate a turnover of 65 billion ariary per year during the first three to five years. After five years, it could reach nearly 100 billion ariary. According to Anicet Randriambahoaka, “The development of port activities should also generate more resources through royalties, which will contribute to city improvement projects.”
According to SPAT, the residents living in Tsarakofafa who will be affected by this development project will be relocated “under the best possible conditions.” They will be rehoused on a developed 250 m² plot at the site of the former dry port, with a deed of donation to secure their land. According to available data, approximately 270 people had been identified at the Dry Port III site. To date, more than 100 people have reportedly already accepted the relocation terms.
Captured & Published at: 2026-06-23 07:30:50 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/06/commerce-le-port-de-toamasina-face-un.html