Improved transport links would boost Tanzania’s economic competitiveness by lowering logistical challenges and opening up fresh opportunities for investment, trade and employment
Dar es Salaam. The government is banking on a combination of modern railway, port and maritime investments to transform Kigoma into a key transport and trade hub linking Tanzania with markets across East and Central Africa. Transport minister Makame Mbarawa said the projects form the government’s broader strategy to build an integrated transport system that will ease the movement of passengers and cargo, improve efficiency and support economic growth.
In a statement issued after the recent launch of four cargo vessels for Lake Tanganyika, the laying of a foundation stone for a new passenger and cargo terminal at Kigoma Port, and the laying of a foundation stone for the sixth section of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Tabora to Kigoma Prof Mbarawa said the simultaneous development of the railway, port and other transport infrastructure was intended to ensure that the different modes of transport work together rather than in isolation.
“These projects demonstrate the government’s commitment to building an integrated transport system in which the modern railway, ports and air transport complement one another,” he said in statement.
He said the investments would strengthen Kigoma’s position as a transport gateway connecting Lake Tanganyika, the Central Corridor and countries in East and Central Africa. The 506-kilometre Tabora–Kigoma SGR section is expected to provide a crucial link between the Port of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s western regions and neighbouring markets.
According to Prof Mbarawa, improved transport links could also boost Tanzania’s economic competitiveness by lowering logistical challenges and opening up fresh opportunities for investment, trade and employment.
The government has in recent years stepped up investment in major infrastructure projects as it seeks to position Tanzania as a regional hub for trade and logistics. The strategy focuses on strengthening connections between railways, ports and airports to create a more efficient transport network.
Prof Mbarawa said his ministry and its agencies would continue closely supervising strategic projects to ensure they are completed on schedule, meet the required standards and deliver value for public money.
The Land Transport Regulatory Authority (Latra) also took part in the ceremony as part of its mandate to regulate railway transport services. The authority is responsible for overseeing safety, efficiency and service standards in the country’s railway sector.
The investments in Kigoma are expected to reinforce Tanzania’s role along the Central Corridor while improving links with countries that depend on Lake Tanganyika for the movement of goods and people.
