The Latest

New Railway to Link Tanzania with Rwanda and Burundi

January 14, 2013
1 minute read

Tanzania hosted a meeting with the Ministers for Transport of neighbouring countries Burundi and Rwanda to finalise the feasibility study for the development of a new railway to link the three countries.

The line connecting Dar es Salaam to Kigali in Rwanda and to Musongati in Burundi is aimed at easing transport and export of goods from these mineral rich countries to the sea, at Tanzanians ports.

To date Burundi and landlocked Rwanda rely on expensive and slow road transportation for exporting goods.

Rail transportation to the Indian Ocean via Tanzania will greatly reduce both cost of transport currently heavily impacted by rising fuel price as well as time currently up to a month for cargos to reach the ports.

The financing of the project valued at USD 5.2 billion will be provided in great part by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the United State Trade and Development Agency (USTDA).

Dr Alexis Nzahabwanimana Minister for Transport of Rwanda indicated that Public-Private Partnership initiatives are part of the project.

Construction of the new railway is expected to start as soon as March 2013 and should take three years to be completed.

Want to know more about Transport in Tanzania? Our free Tanzania Business and Investment Guide 2026 covers Transport, plus regulations, key sectors, and investment opportunities — all in one place.

Download Free Guide
Tweet
Share
Share
Share
Related Posts
Tanzania Private Sector Federation (TPSF) Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) public-private dialogue 2026 Sea Ports Tariff
Read More

TPSF Public-Private Dialogue on Tanzania 2026 Sea Ports Tariff Highlights Private Sector Concerns Over Trade Costs

The Tanzania Private Sector Federation (TPSF) convened a public-private dialogue on Tanzania’s 2026 Sea Ports Tariff, during which stakeholders raised concerns about rising trade and logistics costs ahead of implementation. The discussions focused on balancing tariff reforms with competitiveness, efficiency, and infrastructure projects, including new berths and the Bagamoyo Port development, to support Tanzania’s competitiveness as a regional trade hub.
Tanzania Transport Minister Mbarawa 100 days Update
Read More

Ministry of Transport Updates First 100 Days of Sixth Phase Government Second Term: Achievements Include TAZARA Rehabilitation Deal, 838,000 Rail Passengers and New Infrastructure

Tanzania’s Ministry of Transport outlined achievements recorded during the first 100 days of the government’s second term, including transport of more than 838,000 rail passengers and over 85,000 tonnes of cargo. The update also confirms the signing of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA) rehabilitation agreement set to start in June 2026, and the launch of a vessel with capacity for 1,200 passengers and 400 tonnes of cargo.