Modern Railway Set to Transform Western Tanzania into a Strategic Trade and Investment Hub
KIGOMA - 20 Julai 2026: President Samia Suluhu Hassan is today expected to launch one of Tanzania's most significant transport infrastructure projects by laying the foundation stone for the 506-kilometre Tabora-Kigoma Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), a project valued at US$2.74 billion (approximately TZS 7.12 trillion).
The milestone project is expected to usher in a new era of economic growth across western Tanzania by improving transport efficiency, lowering logistics costs, strengthening regional trade and attracting new investment opportunities.
The foundation stone ceremony forms part of President Samia's one-day working visit to Kigoma Region, where she will also inaugurate four new cargo vessels operating on Lake Tanganyika and inspect the renovated cargo terminal at Kigoma Port, reinforcing the government's commitment to developing an integrated transport network.
A Major Step in Tanzania's Infrastructure Transformation
Speaking to journalists ahead of the visit, Minister for Transport Prof. Makame Mbarawa said the electrified SGR line will significantly improve connectivity between Tanzania's western regions and the Indian Ocean coast.
According to the Minister, the railway will reduce transport costs, improve the competitiveness of businesses, facilitate faster movement of goods and passengers, and unlock new economic opportunities across the country.
The Tabora-Kigoma section represents Lot Six of Tanzania's expanding Standard Gauge Railway network and will connect Kigoma to major commercial centres including Tabora, Shinyanga, Mwanza, Dodoma, Morogoro and Dar es Salaam.
Strengthening Regional Trade
Beyond domestic connectivity, the railway is expected to strengthen Tanzania's position as a regional logistics hub.
Prof. Mbarawa noted that the line will eventually connect with the planned Uvinza-Musongati Railway, linking Tanzania with Burundi and enhancing trade across the Great Lakes Region.
The project will also strengthen railway connections with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and, in the longer term, Zambia, further positioning the Port of Dar es Salaam as the preferred gateway for international trade through the Central Corridor.





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