Tanzania has closed 2025 as a defining year in its development journey, marked by the completion and rollout of mega strategic and infrastructure projects that have reshaped the country’s transport and logistics landscape. From rail and urban mobility to bridges and dry ports, the government’s accelerated investments have strengthened economic activity, improved connectivity and reinforced Tanzania’s position as a regional gateway for trade in East and Central Africa.
Throughout the year, the focus remained on projects designed to ease the movement of people and goods, lower logistics costs and unlock new growth corridors. Key among them are the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in Dar es Salaam, the Kigongo–Busisi Bridge across Lake Victoria, and the Kwala Dry Port.
The launch of freight services on the Standard Gauge Railway marked a historic milestone for Tanzania’s transport sector. On June 27, 2025, the country officially commenced SGR freight operations between Dar es Salaam and Dodoma, opening a new era for heavy cargo transportation. It was the first time Tanzania introduced freight services on a modern standard gauge railway, building on the success of passenger operations launched in June 2024, which have already served more than 2.5 million travelers.
In the 2025/26 national budget, the government allocated TSh1.51 trillion to fast-track construction across various SGR sections. After extensive safety tests and inspections, freight services were rolled out with the capacity to move up to 10,000 tonnes per trip—equivalent to about 500 trucks. This shift is expected to significantly reduce pressure on road networks, cut transport costs, improve delivery timelines and boost both domestic and cross-border trade.
Urban mobility also recorded major gains in 2025 with the advancement of the Bus Rapid Transit project, particularly Phase Two. The government invested TSh285.1 billion to construct 20.3 kilometres of BRT infrastructure linking Gerezani to Mbagala Rangi Tatu, expanding Dar es Salaam’s mass transit network. In August, 99 new BRT buses arrived to support operations and ease daily commuting challenges for residents.
Former Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa inspected the buses and key stations in August 2025, underscoring the role of efficient public transport in driving productivity and urban economic growth. His visit also included a dedicated gas refuelling station at Mbagala Rangi Tatu, with directives issued to ensure round-the-clock work to complete outstanding sections and enable full-scale operations.
Beyond rail and urban transport, Tanzania achieved a long-awaited engineering milestone with the completion of the Kigongo–Busisi Bridge in June 2025. Stretching three kilometres and built at a cost of TSh718 billion, the bridge now links Mwanza Region directly with Geita, Kagera and neighbouring countries including Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. What once took more than two hours by ferry across Lake Victoria has been reduced to a matter of minutes, dramatically improving the movement of goods and passengers. Construction began in February 2020 and its completion has already begun to unlock trade, tourism and regional integration benefits.
Logistics and trade facilitation received another boost with the inauguration of the Kwala Dry Port on July 31, 2025, by President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Designed to decongest the Port of Dar es Salaam and streamline cargo handling, the facility was launched alongside the start of SGR freight services to Kwala, the delivery of 50 new wagons and the rehabilitation of 20 wagons for the Meter Gauge Railway, as well as the foundation-laying for the Kwala Industrial Park.
With the capacity to handle up to 300,000 containers annually, the Kwala Dry Port is projected to reduce congestion at the Port of Dar es Salaam by more than 30 percent, while strengthening Tanzania’s competitiveness in regional and global trade corridors.
Collectively, these projects have cemented 2025 as a banner year in Tanzania’s infrastructure development story. Through sustained investment in rail, roads, urban transit and logistics hubs, the government has laid a solid foundation for inclusive growth, regional connectivity and long-term economic competitiveness—positioning Tanzania as a critical transport and trade hub in Africa’s next phase of development.
