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Habari

President Samia pushes nuclear energy as key to Africa’s industrial future at Kigali summit

by Joshua Kiziba May 20, 2026

written by Joshua Kiziba

Kigali: President Samia Suluhu Hassan has described the Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit for Africa (NEISA 2026) in Kigali as a critical platform for translating Africa’s energy ambitions into practical, investable solutions. She emphasized that the continent must move decisively from policy discussions to real implementation.

Addressing Heads of State, policymakers, and global energy stakeholders, President Samia said Africa’s economic transformation depends on reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy systems. She noted that sectors such as industrialization, mining, manufacturing, transport modernization, and digital infrastructure all require stable power to thrive.

She called for stronger collaboration among African nations, development finance institutions, and the private sector to create enabling environments for energy investments. According to the President, building institutional capacity and technical expertise is essential for long-term energy transformation across the continent.

Highlighting Tanzania’s growing energy needs, President Samia said electricity demand continues to rise in line with development priorities under Tanzania Development Vision 2050. This growth is driven by rapid urbanization, industrial expansion, mining activities, and increasing digital infrastructure demands.

While noting Tanzania’s investments in hydropower, natural gas, renewables, and regional interconnections, she stressed the importance of diversifying energy sources. She said the country is exploring nuclear energy, particularly emerging technologies like Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Micro Modular Reactors (MMRs), as flexible and scalable solutions.

President Samia underscored that financing, regulatory readiness, public awareness, and regional cooperation remain key challenges. She reiterated that nuclear energy should complement—not compete with—renewable energy, forming part of a broader strategy to build resilient, sustainable, and reliable power systems for Africa’s long-term development.

May 20, 2026 0 comments

Habari

Tanzania yaunga mkono maazimio ya UN kutafuta amani ya kudumu Mashariki ya Kati

by Joshua Kiziba May 18, 2026

written by Joshua Kiziba

Serikali ya Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania imesisitiza kuunga mkono kikamilifu maazimio yote ya Baraza la Usalama la Umoja wa Mataifa (UN) na jitihada za kimataifa zinazolenga kuleta amani ya kudumu katika ukanda wa Mashariki ya Kati kupitia njia za kidiplomasia.

Msimamo huo umetolewa na Naibu Waziri wa Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Afrika Mashariki, Mhe. Dkt. Ngwaru Maghembe (Mb), wakati wa maadhimisho ya miaka 78 ya Siku ya Nakba ya Taifa la Palestina yaliyofanyika jijini Dar es Salaam.

Akizungumza mbele ya wajumbe wa mashirika ya kidiplomasia na viongozi mbalimbali wa kiserikali, Dkt. Maghembe alieleza kuwa msimamo wa Tanzania katika suala la Palestina na Israel unajengwa juu ya misingi thabiti ya Sera ya Kutofungamana na Upande Wowote (Non-Alignment Policy).

“Katika muktadha huu, Tanzania inaendelea kuunga mkono maazimio ya Baraza la Usalama la Umoja wa Mataifa pamoja na juhudi nyingine za jumuiya ya kimataifa zinazolenga kuendeleza mazungumzo ya kidiplomasia na utekelezaji wa mikataba mbalimbali inayolenga kutafuta amani kati ya Palestina na Israel.” Mhe. Maghembe alieleza.

Alibainisha kuwa utatuzi pekee wa kidiplomasia wenye tija ni ule unaozingatia suluhisho la “Mataifa Mawili” (Two-State Solution), ambapo Dola Huru ya Palestina itaishi bega kwa bega kwa amani na usalama kamili pamoja na Dola ya Israel. Aliongeza kuwa kupitia uongozi thabiti wa Mheshimiwa Rais Dkt. Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania itaendelea kuwa mstari wa mbele katika juhudi za kimataifa za kushawishi utekelezaji wa maazimio hayo, ili kuimarisha haki, ulinzi na usalama wa binadamu duniani kote.

Siku ya Nakba huadhimishwa kila mwaka tarehe Mei 15, kukumbuka zaidi ya wapalestina 750,000 waliopoteza makazi, ardhi na maisha yao, wakati wa vita vya mwaka 1948 kati ya Wapalestina na Waisraeli.

May 18, 2026 0 comments

Habari

Tanzania mwenyeji wa mkutano wa kuvutia uwekezaji wa Dola bilioni 2.8

by Joshua Kiziba May 18, 2026

written by Joshua Kiziba

TANZANIA inatarajia kuwa mwenyeji wa Makutano wa Uwekezaji unaolenga kuvutia uwekezaji wenye thamani ya dola za Marekani bilioni 2.85 kwa ajili ya utekelezaji wa miradi mbalimbali ya maendeleo nchini.

Akizungumza na waandishi wa habari jijini Dar es Salaam, Mkurugenzi ESRF Profesa Fortunata Makene alisema kongamano hilo litafanyika Juni 1 hadi 2, 2026 katika Hoteli ya Gran Meliá Arusha mkoani Arusha na Mgeni rasmi Waziri wa Mpingo na Uwekezaji Profesa Kitila Mkumbo

Profesa Makene alisema mkutano huo utaunganisha wawekezaji wa kimataifa, taasisi za fedha, wadau wa maendeleo pamoja na waendelezaji wa miradi ya uwekezaji ya serikali iliyokamilisha maandalizi kwa ajili ya kupata mitaji.

Mkutano huo umeratibiwa Kwa ushirikiano kati ya Taasisi ya Utafiti wa Uchumi na Jamii (ESRF), Shirika la Umoja wa Mataifa la Maendeleo (UNDP) Tanzania, Mamlaka ya Maeneo Maalum ya Uwekezaji Tanzania (TISEZA) pamoja na Mamlaka ya Uwekezaji Zanzibar (ZIPA).

Aidha, usajili kwa washiriki wa mkutano huo umefunguliwa rasmi ambapo wamiliki wa miradi ya umma, wawekezaji, waendelezaji wa miradi pamoja na taasisi za fedha za maendeleo wametakiwa kujisajili kupitia mfumo rasmi wa TIGF.

Profesa Makene alisema kongamano hilo litawakutanisha viongozi wa serikali, taasisi za fedha, mifuko ya hifadhi ya jamii, wawekezaji binafsi pamoja na taasisi za kifedha kutoka ndani na nje ya nchi.

Alisema lengo kuu ni kuhakikisha mazungumzo ya uwekezaji yanazaa matokeo halisi kupitia miradi 60 iliyopitiwa na kuthibitishwa yenye thamani ya takribani dola bilioni 2.85 za Marekani.

Miradi hiyo inahusisha sekta mbalimbali za kipaumbele ikiwemo utalii na miundombinu ya asili, nishati jadidifu, usafirishaji, uchumi wa buluu Zanzibar, usindikaji wa mazao, miundombinu ya maji pamoja na miradi ya maendeleo ya ngazi za chini.

Waandaji wa kongamano hilo pia wametangaza kuwepo kwa miradi kati ya nane hadi 10 yenye kipaumbele kikubwa inayotarajiwa kuwa na thamani ya zaidi ya dola milioni 100 za Marekani kila mmoja.

Profesa Makene alisema Tanzania ipo tayari kubadilisha fursa zilizopo kuwa miradi yenye tija ya kibiashara kwa manufaa ya taifa.

“TIGF 2026 ndiyo jukwaa ambalo jumuiya ya wawekezaji wa kimataifa itaweza kupata fursa hizi na kufuatilia kila hatua ya uwekezaji hadi pale makubaliano yatakapokamilika,” alisema Profesa Makene.

Amesema Tanzania inatarajia kunufaika zaidi na uwekezaji endelevu kupitia mkutano huo unaolenga kuharakisha mtiririko wa uwekezaji nchini na kuimarisha nafasi ya Tanzania kama kitovu cha uwekezaji barani Afrika.

Aidha, alisema kongamano hilo litakuwa daraja muhimu kati ya vipaumbele vya maendeleo ya taifa na mtaji wa kimataifa unaohitajika katika utekelezaji wa miradi mbalimbali ya maendeleo.

Kwa upande wake, Mwakilishi Mkazi wa Shirika la Maendeleo la Mataifa Nchini Tanzania (UNDP) Shigeki Komatsubara alisema taasisi hiyo itaendelea kuunga mkono juhudi za Tanzania katika kukuza maendeleo yanayoendeshwa na uwekezaji.

“UNDP Tanzania ipo tayari kusaidia Tanzania kuwezesha jukwaa linalokidhi viwango vya wawekezaji wa kimataifa,” alisema Komatsubara.

May 18, 2026 0 comments

Habari

Tanzania to Host Investment Summit to Unlock a $2.85 Billion Pipeline for Global Capital

by Joshua Kiziba May 18, 2026

written by Joshua Kiziba

Dar es Salaam: To attract global capital to the country’s key economic sectors, the Tanzania Investment Growth Facility (TIGF) today announced the upcoming Tanzania Investment Summit 2026.

Scheduled for June 1-2, 2026, at the Gran Melia Hotel in Arusha, the summit will connect international investors and Financiers with a structured portfolio of public investment-ready projects. The event is co-convened by the Economic and Social Research Foundation (ESRF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Tanzania, in partnership with the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA) and the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA).

Registration is now open. Interested public project owners, investors, project developers, and concessional financiers can secure their place at the summit by visiting the official registration portal: https://tigf.or.tz/registration/

The Summit will convene government leaders, development finance institutions (DFIs), multilateral development banks (MDBs), pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, commercial banks, impact investors, and private sector developers. The primary goal is to move beyond dialogue and secure actual investment transactions for a vetted portfolio of 60 projects valued at approximately $2.85 billion. These projects span several priority sectors:
•    Tourism & Nature Infrastructure
•    Renewable Energy
•    Transport & Logistics
•    Blue Economy & Zanzibar Development
•    Agro-Processing
•    Water Infrastructure
•    Sub-national Development Projects

Organisers anticipate strong interest in an initial wave of 8 to 10 high-priority projects, collectively valued at USD 100 million, which are expected to form the first round of transactions. Speaking at today’s press briefing, UNDP Resident Representative Shigeki Komatsubara reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to supporting investment-led development in Tanzania.

“Private capital structured through blended finance, guarantees, and risk-sharing instruments is the architecture for Tanzania’s next chapter of growth,” Komatsubara said. “UNDP Tanzania is here as a convener. Through TIGF, we have helped build a platform that meets the standards of global institutional investors.”

Prof. Fortunata Songora Makene, Executive Director of ESRF and TIGF, emphasised Tanzania’s readiness to turn these opportunities into bankable transactions. “Tanzania is ready — with a screened pipeline, committed government partners, institutional endorsement, and the deal-room infrastructure required to facilitate real transactions. The Tanzania Investment Summit 2026 is the platform through which the international investment community can access these opportunities. We will track every expression of interest and support every transaction through to financial close.”

Over the past year, TIGF, working with government ministries, state-owned enterprises, and sector agencies across Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar, has developed and structured a robust pipeline of investment opportunities designed to bridge the gap between Tanzania’s national development priorities and the global capital required for implementation. The Tanzania Investment Summit 2026 is expected to play a pivotal role in accelerating sustainable investment flows into Tanzania and strengthening its position as a leading investment destination in Africa.

May 18, 2026 0 comments

Habari

Government accelerates digital access with Sh29 billion rural connectivity project

by Joshua Kiziba May 18, 2026

written by Joshua Kiziba

The government has intensified efforts to bridge Tanzania’s digital divide through a Sh29 billion project to build 287 communication towers in underserved areas, targeting nearly three million citizens. The initiative is part of a broader national strategy to expand access to reliable mobile and internet services.

Speaking in Dodoma, UCSAF acting CEO Albert Richard said the project, launched in December 2025 under Phase 10 of the rural communications programme, will be completed within 15 months. It focuses on remote and commercially unattractive areas where private telecom investment has been limited.

The towers will serve 359 villages across 114 districts in both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, with regions such as Mwanza, Rukwa, and Manyara among key beneficiaries. Mwanza alone is expected to connect over 360,000 residents through 24 towers, reflecting the project’s scale and impact.

Implementation has been distributed among major telecom operators, with Airtel, Vodacom, Yas, and TTCL assigned construction responsibilities. The government says this investment will boost economic activity, improve access to essential services, and promote inclusive development across rural communities.

Tanzania has already made significant progress, with over 2,151 towers completed nationwide, serving more than 29 million people. Additional projects are ongoing, including upgrades from 2G to 3G and 4G to enhance internet speed and support digital services such as e-learning, telemedicine, and mobile finance.

Looking ahead, the government plans to expand connectivity further through Phase 11, targeting strategic infrastructure corridors like the SGR and border areas. Officials say the continued investment underscores a strong commitment to building a fully digitally connected Tanzania and ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens.

May 18, 2026 0 comments

Habari

Samia, Dangote hold talks in Dar es Salaam amid refinery debate

by Joshua Kiziba May 16, 2026

written by Joshua Kiziba

Dar es Salaam: President Samia Suluhu Hassan has held talks with Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote at the State House in Dar es Salaam amid ongoing regional debate over the location of a proposed multi-billion-dollar oil refinery in East Africa.

Although the State House has not, by 13:00 East African time, disclosed details of the meeting, photographs released during the meeting show the two sides engaging in discussions.

Mr Dangote’s visit comes at a time when there is debate in East Africa on which country would host the proposed $15 billion to $17 billion oil refinery with a planned capacity of 650,000 barrels per day.

The debate intensified after Kenyan President William Ruto revealed in Nairobi that the refinery could be built in Tanga, Tanzania.

Addressing the Tanzania Parliament in Dodoma on May 5, 2026, President Ruto described the Port of Tanga as an ideal location for the project, citing its strategic position and the need to strengthen regional integration.

However, he maintained that the final decision on the site would rest with private investors led by Mr Dangote.

In a further twist, Mr Dangote told the Financial Times on May 10, 2026, that he was leaning towards Mombasa, Kenya, citing the city’s deep-water port, stronger logistics infrastructure, and growing regional demand.

The proposed refinery is expected to enhance East Africa’s energy security and reduce dependence on imported petroleum products from the Middle East.

The facility is designed to process crude oil from regional producers, including Uganda and Kenya, as well as imported crude for markets stretching to Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The development also comes as Tanzania and Uganda finalise the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), which runs from Hoima in Uganda to Chongoleani in the Tanga Region.

Uganda’s Hoima oil fields are expected to produce about 230,000 barrels of oil per day once commercial production begins later this year.

EACOP is jointly owned by TotalEnergies with a 62 percent stake, while the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation and the Uganda National Oil Company each hold 15 percent. China National Offshore Oil Corporation owns the remaining 8 percent.

However, in a recent interview, Dangote said he was leaning more towards Mombasa Port in Kenya for the mega investment. He cited the port’s depth and size, as well as Kenya’s relatively larger economy and fuel spending capacity, as giving it the competitive edge over Tanzania’s Tanga Port.

Dangote maintained that the final decision on the site would rest on what Kenyan President Ruto decides.

May 16, 2026 0 comments

Habari

Ujenzi wa miundombinu wazalisha ajira uchukuzi

by Joshua Kiziba May 16, 2026

written by Joshua Kiziba

Waziri wa Uchukuzi, Prof. Makame Mbarawa amesema katika kukuza upatikanaji wa ajira nchini, Sekta ya Uchukuzi imeendelea kutoa ajira 198,480 wakati wa ujenzi wa miundombinu pamoja na utoaji wa huduma za uchukuzi.

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‎Prof. Mbarawa ameyasema hayo bungeni jijini Dodoma wakati akiwasilisha Makadirio ya Mapato na Matumizi ya Wizara ya Uchukuzi kwa mwaka wa fedha 2026/2027.

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‎Amesema sekta hiyo imeendelea pia kuchangia katika upatikanaji wa fedha za kigeni kupitia mauzo ya huduma za uchukuzi, usafirishaji na huduma za bandari.

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‎Kwa mujibu wa taarifa ya Benki Kuu ya Tanzania ya mwaka 2025, sekta ya uchukuzi ilichangia mauzo ya huduma yenye thamani ya Dola za Marekani bilioni 2.79, ikilinganishwa na Dola za Marekani bilioni 2.35 zilizochangiwa mwaka 2024.

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‎Prof. Mbarawa amesema mafanikio hayo yanaonesha namna sekta ya uchukuzi inavyoendelea kuwa mhimili muhimu katika kukuza uchumi wa taifa, kuongeza ajira na kuimarisha mapato ya fedha za kigeni nchini.

May 16, 2026 0 comments

Habari

TADB yatoa gawio la shilingi bilionin 8.38 serikalini

by Joshua Kiziba May 16, 2026

written by Joshua Kiziba

Dar es Salaam. Benki ya Maendeleo ya Kilimo Tanzania (TADB) imetoa gawio la Sh8.38 bilioni kwa Serikali, huku faida, mizania na kiwango cha mikopo vikiongezeka.

Hatua hiyo imeelezwa kuwa ishara ya kuimarika kwa benki hiyo ya maendeleo, wakati sekta ya kilimo ikiendelea kuwa mhimili muhimu wa uchumi wa taifa na chanzo kikuu cha ajira kwa Watanzania wengi vijijini.

Msajili wa Hazina, Nehemiah Mchechu, amesema Serikali, ambayo ni mwanahisa mkuu na mwanahisa pekee wa TADB, imepata gawio hilo ambalo ni ongezeko la asilimia takribani 50 kulinganisha na gawio la mwaka uliopita la Sh5 bilioni.

Akizungumza katika mkutano mkuu wa mwaka wa wanahisa wa benki hiyo uliojadili taarifa ya mwaka wa fedha pamoja na mahesabu yaliyokaguliwa, uliofanyika leo Mei 15, 2026, jijini Dar es Salaam, Mchechu amesema, “Kiwango cha faida kimekuwa kizuri kulinganisha na mwaka jana.

“TADB ni benki ambayo inakua kwa kasi zaidi. Nitumie nafasi hii kuzitaka taasisi zote ziige mfano huu kwa kuendelea kuongeza kiwango cha faida kwa mwanahisa.”

Amesema kama kiwango cha faida kitaongezeka kwa asilimia 50 au 100, ni wazi taasisi hizo zitakuwa zikiitendea haki nchi na uwekezaji, akibainisha kuwa Serikali inahitaji kuongeza mapato yasiyo ya kikodi yanayotokana na uwekezaji ilioufanya.

Naye Mwenyekiti wa Bodi ya Wakurugenzi ya TADB, Ishmael Kasekwa, amesema mafanikio hayo yametokana na usimamizi mzuri wa bodi na menejimenti ya benki.

Amesema gawio la mwaka huu limeongezeka kwa asilimia 50 ikilinganishwa na mwaka uliopita, jambo linaloonesha kasi ya ukuaji wa taasisi hiyo ya kifedha.

“Maendeleo haya yametokana na usimamizi mzuri wa benki pamoja na ushirikiano mkubwa kati ya bodi na menejimenti, hivyo basi tutaendelea kuhakikisha benki inaendelea kufanya vizuri zaidi,” amesema.

Kwa upande wake, Mkurugenzi Mtendaji wa TADB, Frank Nyabundege, amesema ukuaji huo umechangiwa na kuongezeka kwa utoaji wa mikopo katika sekta za kilimo, mifugo na uvuvi, ambazo zinaendelea kuwa uti wa mgongo wa uchumi wa nchi.

Amesema mizania ya benki imeongezeka kutoka Sh917 bilioni hadi zaidi ya Sh1.3 trilioni, huku kiwango cha mikopo kikikua kutoka Sh926 bilioni hadi zaidi ya Sh1.34 trilioni ndani ya kipindi hicho.

Amesema kupitia huduma za mikopo, benki hiyo imeendelea kuchochea shughuli za uzalishaji na kuongeza fursa za kiuchumi kwa wananchi, hasa wanaotegemea kilimo.

“Kupitia mikopo yetu tayari tumegusa maisha ya zaidi ya wananchi milioni 2.6 moja kwa moja au kwa njia nyingine,” amesema, na kufafanua kuwa mbali na shughuli za kifedha, TADB pia imeendelea kushiriki katika utekelezaji wa shughuli za kijamii kwa kusaidia wanawake, vijana na watu wenye mahitaji maalum kupitia programu mbalimbali za uwezeshaji.

May 16, 2026 0 comments

Fursa Habari

Tanzania courts Russian investors for opportunities linked to AFCON 2027

by Joshua Kiziba May 16, 2026

written by Joshua Kiziba

Arusha. The government has invited Russian investors to partner with the Tanzanian private sector in tapping into opportunities arising from preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), as the two countries strengthen ties.

Authorities also highlighted wider investment prospects across mining, energy, technology, manufacturing, modern agriculture, pharmaceuticals and vocational education.

The appeal was made on May 15, 2026, in Arusha during the opening of the Tanzania–Russia Business and Investment Forum by the Deputy Minister in the President’s Office for Planning and Investment, Dr Pius Chaya.

Dr Chaya said the co-hosting of Afcon 2027 by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda presents significant opportunities in sports infrastructure, hospitality, transport, ICT, aviation, entertainment and tourism-related services.

“We invite Russian investors to partner with Tanzania’s private sector in projects linked to Afcon 2027 and the country’s wider economic transformation agenda,” he said.

He noted that Tanzania has continued to implement broad economic reforms aimed at improving the investment climate, strengthening infrastructure and enhancing competitiveness in global markets.

Dr Chaya further pointed to the country’s strategic location within East and Southern Africa, saying its access to a regional market of more than 300 million people through the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) places it at the centre of continental trade and investment flows.

He added that government facilitation mechanisms, including the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (Tiseza) and its One Stop Facilitation Centre, have been strengthened to streamline investment procedures for both local and foreign investors.

According to him, the strong participation of Russian companies in the forum reflects growing confidence in Tanzania’s economic outlook and long-term growth trajectory.

The Minister of State in the President’s Office for Planning and Investment, Prof Kitila Mkumbo, said Tanzania and Russia have maintained long-standing diplomatic relations, but stressed the need to translate those ties into tangible economic gains.

“What we need now is to transform our excellent political and diplomatic relations into real economic outcomes for our people,” he said.

Prof Mkumbo said Tanzania remains among Africa’s fastest-growing economies, with growth projected at 6.1 percent this year and between 6.3 and 6.5 percent next year.

He identified energy, mining, agriculture and industrial development as priority areas for expanded bilateral cooperation, noting Tanzania’s vast resource base.

Citing World Bank assessments, he said Tanzania is among the countries with significant mineral wealth, including gold and critical minerals.

On agriculture, Prof Mkumbo said Tanzania has more than 44 million hectares of arable land, with only about a third currently under cultivation, leaving substantial room for investment in food production and agro-processing.

“The world needs more food than ever before, and Tanzania has the potential to feed Africa and beyond through cooperation with experienced Russian companies,” he said.

He also pointed to opportunities in industrial manufacturing through Special Economic Zones, as well as tourism, science, technology and education.

Prof Mkumbo encouraged Tanzanian firms to explore opportunities in Russia, while urging greater access for Tanzanian agricultural, fisheries and mineral products in the Russian market.

“Tanzanian products should find space in Russian supermarkets so consumers there can access goods from Tanzania and Africa,” he said.

Tiseza Board Chairman, Dr Aziz Mlima, said the forum formed part of the third session of the Joint Intergovernmental Tanzania–Russia Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation.

He said the event brought together more than 120 Russian companies and over 200 Tanzanian firms, providing a platform for investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers and industry leaders to explore partnerships and trade opportunities.

The forum, he added, is expected to deepen economic relations between the two countries while unlocking new avenues for trade, technology transfer and long-term investment cooperation.

Russia’s Minister for Economic Development, Maxim Reshetnikov, said Moscow was committed to strengthening economic cooperation with Tanzania to ensure mutual benefits through expanded trade and investment.

“Russia has continued opening its market to Tanzanian products and investment opportunities, and we are committed to expanding this cooperation further,” he said.

May 16, 2026 0 comments

Habari

Malindi cargo hub begins operations ahead of SGR completion

by Joshua Kiziba May 16, 2026

written by Joshua Kiziba

Dar es Salaam: Cargo transportation through the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) has officially commenced at the Malindi area of the Port of Dar es Salaam following the completion of 99.7 per cent of rail infrastructure works in the zone.

The start of operations from Malindi is expected to improve efficiency, reduce transport costs and shorten delivery times for goods moving between Dar es Salaam and Ihumwa in Dodoma.

The development marks a key milestone in integrating the Port of Dar es Salaam with the country’s modern railway network, enabling faster and more reliable movement of cargo to inland regions and neighbouring countries.

Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) Head of Public Relations Fred Mwanjala told The Citizen that freight operations under the SGR project are now 99.7 per cent complete, with cargo trains already reaching the Malindi port zone, a key logistics hub designated for rail-based cargo handling.

He said the entry of trains into the area on May 10 marked a significant step in linking port operations directly with the rail system.

“Malindi is the designated port zone for cargo handling under the SGR system. The linkage between the port and the railway will eliminate delays previously caused by transferring cargo by truck before connecting to rail,” he said.

Mr Mwanjala said cargo will now move directly from Malindi to Ihumwa via the SGR line, reducing travel time from about 12 hours by road to roughly four hours by rail.

He added that the system will improve reliability and security, as containers will be transported on a dedicated line under controlled conditions.

TRC said discussions are ongoing with major firms, including Dangote Industries, Bakresa Group, GSM Group and Azania Group, to encourage the use of the SGR for cargo transport.

The corporation also expects the railway to strengthen Tanzania’s position as a regional logistics hub serving neighbouring landlocked countries that depend on the Port of Dar es Salaam for trade.

May 16, 2026 0 comments

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