Dar es Salaam, The National Assembly has approved a 2.75 trillion Tanzanian shilling budget for the Ministry of Transport for the 2025/26 financial year.
This budget will help improve Tanzania’s transport and logistics infrastructure. Minister for Transport, Professor Makame Mbarawa, spoke in Parliament, sharing updates on the progress of airport and railway projects.
Prof Mbarawa assured MPs that the government is acting on concerns raised about airport facilities and theStandard Gauge Railway (SGR). “We have listened to all the views raised by Parliament, especially about improving airports and the SGR,” he said.
The government has made significant progress in securing land for airports across the country. The Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA) has secured title deeds for 35 airports. "The process of surveying and planning is almost finished for eight airports: Tabora, Manyoni, Dodoma, Kondoa, Ngara, Mwanza, Mafia, and Masasi," Prof Mbarawa explained. He added that title deeds for these airports will be secured before the end of the 2024/25 financial year.
Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) is also being upgraded to meet international standards. Major projects are underway, including runway rehabilitation and the construction of new lounges and a cargo terminal.
"35 billion shillings have been allocated for these projects, and the procurement process will start soon," the minister said.
The government is also focusing on developing regional airports. 22 billion shillings have been set aside for airports in Singida, Manyara, Simiyu, and Njombe regions.
The goal is to upgrade all airports to tarmac standards. Additionally, the government is seeking funding for the 120 billion shilling Lindi Airport project, which already has a contractor.
The SGR project remains a key priority. Prof Mbarawa announced that the government is allowing private companies to operate freight services on the SGR.
“Several Tanzanian companies have shown interest in providing freight services,” he said. The freight service between Dar es Salaam and Dodoma is expected to begin by June 2025. This will help reduce traffic in Dar es Salaam.
The construction of the remaining SGR sections is progressing. The Makutupora–Tabora section is 14.53% complete, Tabora–Isaka is 6.55% complete, and Mwanza–Isaka is 63.16% complete.
The Tabora–Kigoma section is 7.88% complete. "1.8 trillion shillings have been allocated to speed up the construction of these sections," Prof Mbarawa said.
This 2.75 trillion shilling budget is a step towards modernizing Tanzania’s transport system. The government aims to improve the country's infrastructure and make it a regional transport hub. This will boost economic growth, improve connectivity, and create jobs.
The Transport Ministry's efforts are in line with the government’s long-term development goals. By improving transport, Tanzania hopes to become a middle-income economy in the future.