Tanzanian authorities have announced plans to establish inland container depots (ICDs) to ease congestion caused by heavy cargo trucks transporting goods to landlocked East African Community (EAC) member states.

Transport Minister Makame Mbarawa said Wednesday the initiative was aimed at easing congestion of containers ferried by trucks from Tanga Port to landlocked east African countries, including Rwanda, Burundi, and Uganda.

Addressing media in the northern city of Arusha ahead of the 73rd Airports Council International Africa Board and Committee Meeting, Mbarawa explained that the ICDs will store cargo, including containers transported by rail, facilitating smoother transit to EAC member states and reducing road congestion from cargo trucks.

The conference, which will take place in Arusha on April 24-30, is expected to draw over 300 participants from more than 40 African countries and international organizations managing over 265 airports globally.

Under the theme "Towards a Greener Future: Sustainable Air Transport and Tourism for Economic Prosperity," the conference will focus on sustainability, safety, and environmental responsibility in air transport, he said.