Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa on Saturday, August 16, 2025, laid the foundation stone for the construction of a Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) line linking Uvinza in Kigoma, Tanzania, to Musongati in Burundi.
He assured citizens of both countries that the $2.154 billion project will begin on schedule and transform regional trade and connectivity.
Speaking on behalf of President Samia Suluhu Hassan at the launch in Musongati, Mr Majaliwa said the 240-kilometre line will be the first cross-border modern railway in East Africa.
He noted that once completed, the project will strengthen market access and boost trade flows between Tanzania and Burundi.
“This railway will open new opportunities for our people. Passengers will be able to travel from Musongati to Dar es Salaam in a single day. For cargo, trucks currently take about 96 hours from Dar to Bujumbura, but trains will reduce the journey to just 20 hours,” he said.
The Prime Minister added that the SGR will not only ease passenger and cargo transport but also create fresh opportunities for investment and business in both countries. Construction is scheduled to take five years, followed by a one-year trial period.
Burundian President Maj. Gen. Evariste Ndayishimiye said the groundbreaking marked the fulfilment of a long-standing national ambition.
“This is a historic day for us. Our dream of railway transport dates back more than a century. In 1921, the Belgians began it, later the Germans tried, but they did not succeed. Today, Tanzania and Burundi have made it possible,” he said.
Highlighting Burundi’s mineral wealth, including nickel reserves, President Ndayishimiye said the lack of reliable transport had long been a barrier to attracting investors.
“We thank the Government of Tanzania for joining hands with us on this vital project. From here, we want the railway extended to Kindu in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, and eventually to the Atlantic coast of West Africa, to accelerate regional development,” he added.
He also commended President Samia for Tanzania’s rapid transformation. Switching to Kiswahili, he remarked: “Tell President Samia that we are proud of her. I know Magomeni, Tabata, Vingunguti, Mwenge and Kinondoni very well, but with all the development now, I could easily get lost.” His words drew loud applause from the crowd.
Transport Minister Prof. Makame Mbarawa said the SGR project is in line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which seeks to connect the continent through modern railway networks. He stressed that the new line will help cut transport costs significantly.
“Currently, moving a 20-foot container from Dar es Salaam costs $3,800. With the SGR, this will drop to $2,000. And while a truck carries about 30 tonnes, one train will move up to 3,000 tonnes at once,” he said.
The Uvinza–Musongati railway is part of a wider regional push to modernise infrastructure, strengthen trade corridors and accelerate economic growth. Once operational, it is expected to reshape logistics, deepen Tanzania–Burundi cooperation, and open up new opportunities for East and Central Africa.