The rehabilitation and expansion of Kigoma Airport has reached 60 percent completion, with the government expressing confidence that the project will significantly boost economic growth, trade and investment in western Tanzania.
The Ministry of Works, through the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS), said the project is progressing steadily and is expected to be completed in July 2026.
Speaking on the project's progress, TANROADS Kigoma Regional Manager, Eng. Elisony Mweladzi, said the airport upgrade began in September 2023 and is being implemented over a 34-month period.
The project is being executed by China Railway Construction Engineering Group at a cost of TZS 51.4 billion. So far, the contractor has been paid TZS 24.5 billion for completed works.
Eng. Mweladzi said major infrastructure works have already been completed, including the construction of an aircraft apron capable of accommodating nine Boeing 737-800 aircraft simultaneously. Previously, the airport could only handle smaller Bombardier Q400 aircraft.
Other completed works include the construction of a 1.8-kilometre runway, 1.5 kilometres of internal roads, and a parking area with capacity for more than 100 vehicles at a time.
Construction is also underway on a new passenger terminal building that will be able to serve up to 500 passengers simultaneously. Additional facilities under development include an air traffic control tower, a building for airfield lighting electrical equipment, and offices for the Tanzania Meteorological Authority.
According to Eng. Mweladzi, the upgraded airport is expected to become a key driver of economic development in Kigoma Region by strengthening air transport links within western Tanzania and neighbouring countries, including Burundi, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
He said the improved infrastructure will enhance connectivity, attract investment and create new business opportunities in Kigoma and other parts of the country.
Eng. Mweladzi credited President Samia Suluhu Hassan's administration for ensuring the availability of funds, which has enabled uninterrupted implementation of the project.
“We thank President Samia Suluhu Hassan for facilitating the availability of funds for this project. To date, the contractor has no outstanding payment claims, and our expectation is to see the project completed on time and according to the required quality standards,” he said.
Meanwhile, Eng. Dadi Shahame of Khatib & Alami Consulting Engineers Offshore said the contractor has submitted a recovery plan to make up for time lost during implementation.
The plan includes extending working hours, increasing the workforce and engaging additional subcontractors to accelerate construction and ensure the project is delivered within the remaining timeframe.
Once completed, the upgraded Kigoma Airport is expected to strengthen the region's position as a strategic gateway for trade, tourism and investment in western Tanzania and the wider Great Lakes region.
