Tanzania has gained international acclaim after winning the “Infrastructure Finance Deal of the Year 2026” from Global Banking & Markets, following the successful securing of a concessional loan of USD 1.78 billion to fund the third and fourth phases of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).
The award was received on behalf of the Ministry of Finance by Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary, Mr. Rished Bade, during the Global Banking & Markets Awards ceremony in Cape Town, South Africa.
The recognition highlights Tanzania’s strategic approach to financing a major national project that is expected to drive economic growth and improve regional transport connectivity.
The loan was facilitated through a partnership between insurance institutions from Sweden, Poland, and Italy, alongside regional development banks, coordinated by Standard Chartered Bank.
Finance Minister Ambassador Khamis Mussa Omar and Permanent Secretary Dr. Natu El-Maamry Mwamba said the award reflects the visionary leadership of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan in managing public debt and securing affordable financing.
“This award confirms Tanzania’s growing credibility in global financial markets, demonstrating our ability to negotiate and implement major funding agreements for strategic development projects while attracting foreign investment,” said Minister Omar.
Global Banking & Markets Awards, established in 2014, recognise countries and institutions that secure outstanding financing deals through capital markets and loans, evaluating factors such as financial innovation, favourable loan terms, and quality of project execution.
This achievement comes shortly after Tanzania was named overall winner in the Commonwealth Public Debt Management Awards and received the Best Regional Office in Africa recognition for the Government Debt Management Division of the Ministry of Finance in London, United Kingdom.
