Kigongo–Busisi Bridge to unlock major trade corridors, says TRC boss

Dar es Salaam. The Kigongo–Busisi Bridge, one of Tanzania’s most ambitious infrastructure projects, is poised to become a game changer for regional trade, according to Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) Director General, Masanja Kadogosa.

Speaking on Sunday, June 22, during the Mwananchi Thought Leadership Forum, Mr Kadogosa said the government’s long-term strategy is to seamlessly integrate rail, road, and water transport systems—a move expected to enhance connectivity and stimulate economic activity across the region.

“These are not just infrastructure projects. They are strategic business corridors. Once the Kigongo–Busisi Bridge is operational, we will be able to move cargo from Mwanza to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) within 24 hours,” said Mr Kadogosa.

The forum, themed “Building Bridges, Building the Nation: Infrastructure as a Catalyst for Inclusive Growth,” was organised by Mwananchi Communications Limited (MCL) in collaboration with the Ministry of Works.

Mr Kadogosa highlighted the transformative potential of the ongoing Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project, particularly the Uvinza–Burundi railway line, whose foundation stone was recently laid.

He said the railway, once completed, will provide seamless connectivity from Kigoma to Mwanza and eventually to Burundi—further consolidating Tanzania’s position as a regional logistics hub.

“By 2030, we envision a fully integrated network that facilitates the movement of goods and people, turning Tanzania into a regional gateway,” he said.

While applauding the progress, Mr Kadogosa reminded stakeholders that the ultimate goal of infrastructure investment is not transport alone—but trade.

“The value of infrastructure lies in the volume of goods it moves and the distances it connects. The larger the cargo and the farther it travels, the greater the economic return,” he said.

He also praised President Samia Suluhu Hassan for maintaining momentum in the country’s infrastructure agenda.

“It is remarkable how President Hassan has remained committed to completing flagship projects that form the backbone of our national and regional prosperity,” he said.

Mr Kadogosa called on all sectors—particularly the private sector—to align their growth strategies with the ongoing infrastructure developments.

“These projects are massive investments. Every business must now ask itself: How are we preparing to take advantage of this evolving transport ecosystem?” he said.

Also speaking at the forum, Ambassador John Ulanga noted that transportation accounts for between 30 to 50 percent of the final cost of goods in Tanzania. He argued that improvements in infrastructure such as the Kigongo–Busisi Bridge will help reduce operational inefficiencies and drive down these costs.

“Before doing business with a country, traders ask: How reliable is your transport system? This bridge eliminates bottlenecks like ferry delays and mechanical breakdowns, making the Central Corridor more competitive and efficient,” he said.

Ambassador Ulanga emphasized that Tanzania’s geographic location—bordering several countries—offers unique advantages that can only be fully realised with modern, reliable infrastructure.

“This is not just about roads and bridges. It's about positioning Tanzania as the preferred trade route in East and Central Africa,” he added.

The Kigongo–Busisi Bridge, once complete, will be the longest bridge in East Africa and a critical link connecting key economic zones in Tanzania’s Lake Zone to regional markets, reinforcing the country's strategic role in cross-border trade.

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