Dar es Salaam– Tanzania’s state-of-the-art Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) continues to shine as a symbol of modern Africa, drawing praise from regional leaders—most recently Mozambique’s President Francisco Chapo, who toured the electric train system during his official visit to the country.
President Chapo, who is in Tanzania for a three-day state visit that began on May 7, 2028, boarded the electric train at Magufuli Station and travelled to Pugu before returning.
The experience left him full of admiration, calling the project a world-class model that reflects African potential and progress.
Transport Minister Professor Makame Mbarawa, who accompanied the visiting head of state, took the opportunity to urge Tanzanians to treat the SGR as a national asset deserving of protection and collective responsibility.
“This is not just a train—it is a representation of Tanzania’s aspirations and capabilities,” Prof. Mbarawa said at Magufuli Station.
“President Chapo was genuinely impressed. He sees what we have built as not just important for Tanzania but for Africa as a whole. That’s why we, as Tanzanians, must protect it jealously.”
The SGR, one of the flagship infrastructure projects under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration, is designed to boost domestic and regional connectivity.
Built to international standards, the railway line stretches from Dar es Salaam to Mwanza and eventually aims to link Tanzania with neighboring countries such as Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
TRC Director General Masanja Kadogosa said President Chapo’s visit to the SGR is a sign of growing African solidarity and mutual recognition of progress made within the continent.
“The presence of a head of state from a neighboring country, riding on our electric train, is proof that Africa is watching Tanzania,” said Kadogosa.
It als, according to him, strengthens the foundation for future trade and cooperation.
Kadogosa further emphasized the historic and cultural ties between Tanzania and Mozambique, noting that the two countries have long collaborated in areas such as politics, defense, and social affairs.
“We are one people. The Makonde of Mozambique and those of Tanzania share the same roots. The SGR adds another layer to our unity—this time through economic infrastructure,” he said.
The electric train, which offers faster, cleaner, and more reliable transport, is expected to revolutionize the way goods and people move across Tanzania.
It promises to reduce transportation costs, open up new economic zones, and help the country meet its goals under Vision 2025.
As Tanzania continues to lead by example in modern infrastructure development, the government is calling on all citizens to play their part in safeguarding projects like the SGR. The message is clear: development is a shared responsibility.
