The Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Ambassador Dr. Emmanuel Nchimbi, has officially inaugurated the new VIP Terminal at Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA), a move aimed at modernising airport facilities and boosting Tanzania’s transport sector.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Nchimbi said the Government is committed to strengthening the transport sector to make Tanzania more competitive in regional and global trade, increase foreign exchange earnings, and expand the sector’s contribution to the national economy.
“The commissioning of this terminal demonstrates the Sixth Phase Government’s focus on delivering key sectoral projects as outlined in the National Development Vision 2050, the Five-Year Development Plan, and the 2025 CCM Election Manifesto,” he said.
The Vice President highlighted ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and services across all transport modes, including airports, roads, railways, and maritime transport.
He also pledged continued support for Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) to improve domestic and international connectivity, reduce transport costs, and enhance trade and economic growth.
Dr. Nchimbi emphasised the Government’s plan to integrate transport services for better efficiency. He cited the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project linking Posta and Gongo la Mboto, which will connect directly to JNIA to ease commuting in Dar es Salaam.
Plans are also underway to link railway networks to international airports, including JNIA, Msalato International Airport, and Kilimanjaro International Airport.
“The Government’s investments aim to simplify transport and logistics, stimulate national and regional economic growth, and fully leverage Tanzania’s strategic location as a gateway for over eight African countries and a link to the Middle East and Far East,” Dr. Nchimbi said.
He listed major ongoing projects, including the expansion of the standard gauge railway to Tabora, Mwanza, and Kigoma, upgrading Dar es Salaam Port and other strategic ports, rehabilitating the TAZARA railway, and building and upgrading paved roads connecting Tanzania to neighbouring countries.
The Vice President also highlighted the impact of these investments. The transport sector’s contribution to GDP rose from 7.2 per cent in 2023 to 7.5 per cent in 2024, while growth in the sector increased from 4.1 per cent to 4.2 per cent over the same period, with an average growth rate of 5.4 per cent in recent years.
Dr. Nchimbi urged all Tanzanians to protect and maintain the infrastructure developed by the Government for the benefit of current and future generations.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Transport, Prof. Makame Mbarawa, said the Ministry will continue implementing airport projects nationwide to expand air transport services and unlock economic opportunities.
He revealed that feasibility studies and designs for new airports in Serengeti, Kagera, and Njombe are underway, and the Government will seek funding to implement these projects.
Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA) Director General Abdul Mombokaleo said the VIP Terminal is part of the Government’s strategic plan to modernise airport infrastructure and services.
The VIP Terminal at JNIA has been purpose-built to serve high-profile visitors from Tanzania and abroad. The facility is expected to enhance Tanzania’s image and raise the international profile of the country’s busiest airport.