Tanzania’s Minister for Finance, Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba (MP), has expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) for its continued support in financing the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) a flagship infrastructure project critical to Tanzania’s economic transformation and regional integration.
Dr. Nchemba delivered his remarks during a bilateral meeting with DBSA Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Boitumelo Mosako, held on the sidelines of the Annual Meetings of the Board of Governors of the African Development Bank (AfDB), in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to the Development Bank of Southern Africa for its substantial contribution of USD 100 million towards the construction of SGR sections 3 and 4 (Makutupora to Isaka). We also highly value the earlier support of USD 100 million that was allocated to section 2, which helped establish a solid foundation for the entire SGR initiative,” said Dr. Nchemba.
He highlighted the significant progress made in the implementation of the SGR project, noting that section 1 (Dar es Salaam to Makutupora) is now 99.63% complete, with operations officially launched in July 2024. Construction of section 3 (Makutupora to Tabora) has reached 14.53% completion, while section 4 (Tabora to Isaka) is currently at 6.48%.
“Ms. Mosako, in view of the strategic importance of this railway, I take this opportunity to kindly urge DBSA to continue supporting the financing of sections 6 and 7 of the SGR.
The mobilization of resources for these segments is being coordinated in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB),” he added.
Dr. Nchemba also emphasized Tanzania’s commitment to fostering private sector participation in the SGR project, particularly in areas such as investment in rolling stock (wagons and locomotives). He encouraged investors to seize the emerging opportunities tied to this transformative infrastructure.
Furthermore, the Minister commended DBSA’s willingness to explore additional investment opportunities in Tanzania across key sectors, including education, water, health, infrastructure, and agriculture.
On her part, DBSA CEO Ms. Boitumelo Mosako reaffirmed the bank’s readiness to deepen its collaboration with Tanzania. She noted that DBSA is keenly awaiting the finalization of the Tanzania Development Vision 2050 to align its future investments with the country’s long-term priorities.
Ms. Mosako stressed that DBSA remains committed to supporting both strategic and socially impactful projects in Tanzania, especially in sectors such as water, health, energy, the digital economy, affordable housing, and infrastructure development.
The meeting was attended by Tanzania’s Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Finance, Dr. Natu El-maamry Mwamba; Assistant Cabinet Secretary, Mr. Fidelis Mkatte; Commissioner for External Finance, Mr. Rished Bade; Commissioner for Public Debt Management, Mr. Japhet Justine; and other senior government officials.
