MWE Correspondent
Tanzania and Burundi have officially launched construction of a cross-border Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), a project expected to transform trade, reduce transport costs, and deepen economic integration across East Africa.
The new 300-kilometre electric railway will run from Uvinza in Tanzania’s Kigoma Region to Musongati in Burundi, with an estimated investment of US$2.54 billion. Leaders from both countries hailed the project as more than just an infrastructure venture, but a bridge between nations that share common goals for growth and stability.
Once complete, the railway will cut travel time between Dar es Salaam and Bujumbura dramatically. Freight that currently takes nearly four days by road is expected to make the journey in under 20 hours by rail. This efficiency is not only expected to ease the movement of goods but also reduce costs for businesses and consumers alike.
Burundi, long seen as landlocked and at a logistical disadvantage, stands to benefit the most. The line will provide an outlet for its rich nickel reserves in Musongati, which have remained largely untapped due to transport challenges. With a direct rail connection, Burundi will gain faster access to global markets through the port of Dar es Salaam, strengthening its position in regional and international trade.
Academics and economic analysts have praised the railway as a turning point for both nations. Dr. Sylvester Jotta, a lecturer at Saint Augustine University of Tanzania, described it as “a milestone that will strengthen bilateral ties and advance regional integration through modern infrastructure.”
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For Tanzania, the project reinforces its role as a strategic transport hub for East and Central Africa, while Burundi secures a long-awaited solution to its connectivity hurdles. The railway is also in line with the East African Railway Master Plan, which envisions linking regional economies through a modern, interconnected transport system.
Beyond its immediate benefits, the Uvinza–Musongati SGR could serve as the backbone for larger regional ambitions. Plans are already under discussion to extend the line deeper into the Democratic Republic of Congo, potentially creating a corridor that links the Indian Ocean to the Atlantic coast. Such a development would reshape trade patterns across the continent and unlock new opportunities for investment.
For everyday citizens, the impact will be tangible. A truck driver who once spent days navigating poor roads will soon see his cargo delivered safely by train within a day. Small-scale miners in Burundi could find themselves integrated into global supply chains, while businesses in Tanzania gain new markets just across the border.
This is more than steel rails and electric engines—it is a symbol of ambition. It is about two neighbors daring to dream of a future where trade flows more freely, borders are less of a barrier, and prosperity is shared.
