Tanzania sets 2030 target for Mwanza-Dodoma SGR link

Dodoma. Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba has directed the Ministries of Finance and Transport, Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC), contractors and financiers to accelerate the implementation of Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) projects linking the Lake Zone with Dodoma.

Dr Mwigulu said the government’s target is to have passengers travelling by SGR from Mwanza to Dodoma by 2030, describing the goal as part of efforts to improve transport connectivity and support economic development.

He issued the directive on Friday, September 4, 2026, while presenting a motion to adjourn the 13th Parliament’s Fourth Session in Dodoma.

“I direct the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Transport, working with TRC, contractors responsible for constructing these sections and those tasked with mobilising funds, to work day and night,” Dr Mwigulu said.

He said the government wants work to be accelerated on the Mwanza-Isaka, Isaka-Tabora, Tabora-Kigoma and Makutupora-Dodoma sections.

“If possible, by 2030, members of the CCM General Congress from Mwanza, Mara, Shinyanga, Geita and Kagera should come to Dodoma by SGR from Mwanza,” he said.

Dormant mining licences

In another directive, Dr Mwigulu ordered the Ministry of Minerals to take swift action against individuals holding multiple mining licences without developing the areas allocated to them.

He said dormant licences were denying Tanzanians, particularly young people and small-scale miners, opportunities to participate in the mining sector.

“Honourable Minister, cancel those licences in accordance with the law and reallocate the areas to Tanzanian investors, Tanzanian youth and small-scale miners,” he said.

The Prime Minister also directed ministers, permanent secretaries, regional and district commissioners, government officials and local authorities to strengthen mechanisms for listening to citizens, resolving their complaints and providing timely feedback.

He said visits by senior government leaders should not be a substitute for effective problem-solving at lower levels of government.

“I again direct all government officials to establish mechanisms for listening to citizens, resolving their concerns and providing feedback,” he said.

Cut unnecessary spending

Dr Mwigulu also called on government institutions to reduce unnecessary expenditure on vehicles, official trips, meetings, workshops and conferences.

He said public funds should instead be channelled towards priority development programmes, particularly as demand for education is expected to increase from 2028.

“If we do not change our spending habits, our children could return to studying under trees. We must not go back there. We have already moved beyond that,” he said.

Preparations for heavy rains

The Prime Minister directed disaster management committees from village to national level to prepare for heavy rainfall expected in some parts of the country from the fourth week of September to the first week of October 2026.

He called for the early identification of vulnerable areas and urged authorities to ensure rescue equipment, emergency services and communication systems are ready.

Health insurance and AFCON 2027 preparations

Dr Mwigulu said the government has continued implementing Universal Health Insurance since January 2026 and urged Tanzanians who can afford the contributions to join the scheme.

He said broader participation would help extend support to citizens unable to meet healthcare costs.

The government has allocated more than Sh48 billion to support treatment for diseases whose costs are beyond the means of many Tanzanians, he said.

On preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Dr Mwigulu said the government was continuing with the construction and rehabilitation of stadiums, as well as improvements to transport, water, electricity and health infrastructure.

He stressed the need for Tanzania to maximise the economic opportunities associated with hosting the continental tournament.

He also called on Tanzanian clubs participating in CAF competitions to perform well and urged citizens to support all teams representing the country, regardless of their club affiliations.

Dr Mwigulu subsequently moved for the adjournment of the 13th Parliament’s Fourth Session until Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 9am, when Parliament is scheduled to resume in Dodoma.