The Deputy Minister for Transport, David Kihenzile, on December 15, 2025, officially opened the 18th Joint Transport Sector Review Meeting held at the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC) in Arusha, reaffirming the strategic role of the transport sector in driving economic transformation and the implementation of Tanzania’s National Development Vision 2050.
Speaking during the opening session, Kihenzile stated that the conference theme, “Integrated Transport System as a Foundation for Economic Transformation Toward Vision 2050,” underscores the importance of the transport sector as a critical pillar for sustainable economic growth.
He emphasized that a well-coordinated and integrated transport system is essential for unlocking Tanzania’s development potential.
The Deputy Minister noted that the Government will continue strengthening an integrated transport system linking roads, railways, ports, aviation, and maritime transport, while accelerating the completion and expansion of major infrastructure projects.
These include the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), which is now extending beyond national borders, port development, aircraft acquisition, and the upgrading of airports.
He further encouraged increased participation of the private sector in transport infrastructure development to enhance efficiency and sustainability.
In the maritime sector, Kihenzile explained that the Government is continuing with the rehabilitation of existing vessels, the construction of new ships, and the establishment of a shipbuilding facility, initiatives expected to strengthen regional connectivity and stimulate economic growth.
He also commended LATRA and TASAC for maintaining strong regulatory frameworks in land and maritime transport, which have contributed to improved safety and service delivery.
On railway transport, the Deputy Minister highlighted the Government’s ongoing efforts to promote rail transport and regional trade through the rehabilitation of the TAZARA railway, a move expected to increase cargo handling capacity, reduce turnaround time, and enhance Tanzania’s position as a regional transport and logistics hub.
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Prof. Godius Kahyarara, described the meeting as a critical platform for assessing the implementation of transport sector plans, noting that its outcomes would inform improvements in policies, planning, and Government investment decisions.
Earlier, the Acting Director for Monitoring and Evaluation at the Ministry of Transport stated that the meeting aims to conduct a comprehensive review of the implementation of transport sector projects and programs in order to identify achievements, challenges, and strategic interventions to improve performance, with a strong emphasis on value for money.
The 18th Joint Transport Sector Review Meeting comes at a time when Tanzania is entering a decisive phase in the execution of major strategic infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing regional competitiveness.
The Government’s emphasis on an integrated transport system reflects a policy shift that recognizes infrastructure not only as a facilitator of trade but also as a foundation for industrialization, job creation, and inclusive economic growth.
Furthermore, the call for private sector participation highlights the importance of sustainable financing and efficiency as Tanzania advances toward the realization of Vision 2050.
The 18th Joint Transport Sector Review Meeting is scheduled to run for three days, from December 15 to 17, 2025, and is expected to produce key recommendations that will contribute to the improvement of transport sector policies and implementation in Tanzania.