Tanzania rapid buses agency engages IFC to procure service providers

The first phase, which connects the neighbourhoods of Kimara and Mbezi with the city centre through Morogoro Road, began operations in 2016.

The construction of infrastructure for the second phase, extending from the city centre to Mbagala, has been completed; however, the system is currently awaiting the arrival of buses.

The third and fourth phases are still under construction.

DART, which is a government institution responsible for establishing the BRT system for Dar es Salaam, said the partnership with IFC seeks to ensure delivery of sustainable, reliable and high-quality urban transportation solutions for the growing population in the city while leveraging international expertise to ensure the project's success.

DART's chief executive officer, Dr Athumani Kihamia, told The Citizen on Tuesday, February 4, that the two institutions have entered into an agreement to facilitate the negotiation process for securing service providers.

"The government has already allocated funds to pay IFC for their assistance in negotiating with potential bus operators, fund managers, fare collectors, and providers of the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS)," he stated.

Dr Kihamia elaborated that the ITS utilises sensors, analytics, and communication technologies to enhance the safety, mobility, and efficiency of the BRT system.

He further explained that the IFC has already begun the search for service providers in accordance with Tanzania’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Act and its regulations.

BRT phase three construction is now estimated at 75 percent and will be finalised this June, while BRT phase four, currently at 20 percent, will be completed by the end of this year, Dr Kihamia said.

According to him, the IFC engagement started at an earlier stage to ensure that all necessary service providers would be in place by the time construction is completed, enabling operations to commence as planned.

Dr Kihamia further explained that, if all goes as planned, the IFC will require 21 months to complete the procurement process for securing the necessary services.

"Projects like this require us to engage consultants to assist in various tasks, ensuring that we avoid entering into poor agreements that could potentially result in losses for the government,” he said.

Phase three of the BRT runs from the city centre to Gongolamboto via Nyerere Road, while phase four extends from the city centre to Bunju along the Ali Hassan and Bagamoyo Roads.

These phases are part of the BRT network in Dar es Salaam, aimed at improving urban transportation for thousands of daily commuters in the city.

On January 20, 2025, Dart convened various experts, including legal, technical, environmental, and social consultants, to discuss how to improve urban transport and encourage private sector participation in operating the BRT system.

“We are ready to work with IFC and all key stakeholders to ensure a robust public-private partnership (PPP) business model for the upcoming phases of the project,” he said.

The IFC team was led by chief investment officer and team leader based in Kenya, Mr Jacques Bleindou.

Mr Bleindou outlined the key objectives of the professional advisory process, stressing the importance of engaging a wide range of stakeholders to gather comprehensive insights into the BRT project.

“This professional advisory process will enable us to develop an efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective service provider procurement model for public transport users in Dar es Salaam,” he said.