In a recent development, the Tanzanian government has urged private sector players to invest in the construction of a new railway line connecting Mtwara Port to Mbamba-Bay, with additional connections to the Mchuchuma coal and Liganga iron mines. This call to action was delivered by Ms. Devota Gabriel, the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation at the Ministry of Transport.
Ms. Gabriel emphasized that the commencement of the Southern Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project, slated to begin imminently, will significantly enhance the Mtwara Development Corridor and stimulate economic activity in the region. She conveyed this message on behalf of Prof. Godius Kahyarara, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, during an evaluation meeting on the Mtwara Development Corridor, hosted by the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA).
The Mtwara Development Corridor initiative seeks to bolster trade and investment across Southern Tanzania, particularly in Ruvuma, Mtwara, and Lindi regions, while also facilitating improved trade routes to neighboring Mozambique, Malawi, and Zambia.
Ms. Gabriel affirmed that the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) is actively progressing with plans for the railway project, which will be closely aligned with road construction efforts to seamlessly connect the Mtwara Corridor with adjoining countries. The government warmly invites private sector entities to participate in this critical infrastructure venture and assures them of robust collaboration.
She reiterated the government's dedication to fostering public-private partnerships for the Southern SGR line, aiming to optimize commercial activities in the southern region of Tanzania and forge lucrative business prospects with neighboring nations.
Concurrently, Engineer Juma Kijavara, the Deputy Director-General of TPA, disclosed plans for the construction of the Dirty Cargo Port—an extension of Mtwara Port—geared towards handling coal, cement, graphite, and similar commodities. Kijavara announced that construction of the port extension is slated to commence in May of this year, with a targeted completion period of fewer than 24 months.
This strategic infrastructure expansion underscores Tanzania's proactive approach to enhancing regional connectivity and promoting economic growth through collaborative ventures with the private sector. The government's call for private investment signals a landmark opportunity for stakeholders to participate in transformative developments poised to drive trade and prosperity across Southern Tanzania and its neighboring territories.