MWE Correspondent
Tanzania has unveiled an ambitious transport development agenda for the 2026/27 financial year, outlining eight strategic priorities aimed at modernising infrastructure and improving efficiency across the rail, port, aviation, maritime, and training sectors.
Presenting the ministry’s budget in Parliament in Dodoma on May 13, 2026, the Minister for Transport, Makame Mbarawa, said the government is focusing on major infrastructure expansion projects while simultaneously strengthening service delivery nationwide.
At the centre of the plan is the continued development and operation of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), one of Tanzania’s most significant infrastructure investments, designed to improve regional connectivity and reduce transport costs for goods and passengers.
The government also plans to rehabilitate and upgrade the existing Meter Gauge Railway (MGR) network, alongside continued improvement of the Tanzania–Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) line, which remains a key regional transport corridor linking landlocked Southern African countries to the port of Dar es Salaam.
Port development is another key priority, with authorities pledging to expand capacity and improve efficiency at major maritime gateways to support growing trade volumes in East and Central Africa.
In the aviation sector, the ministry plans further investment in airport infrastructure and operational improvements aimed at enhancing safety standards, increasing passenger capacity, and strengthening Tanzania’s position as a regional aviation hub.
The budget also prioritises the construction and refurbishment of marine vessels to improve inland and coastal water transport services, particularly in lake and coastal regions where ferry and cargo services remain essential for connectivity.
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In addition, the government will enhance meteorological services to improve weather forecasting accuracy, a key factor for aviation safety, marine navigation, and climate resilience planning.
Another major focus is strengthening regulation, safety oversight, and quality standards across the transport sector to ensure compliance with international best practices and improve public confidence in transport services.
The ministry further plans to invest in training institutions to build technical capacity, improve professional skills, and address workforce gaps across rail, aviation, maritime, and logistics sectors.
Officials say these combined priorities are intended to support long-term economic growth by creating a more efficient, integrated, and reliable national transport system capable of supporting trade, investment, and regional integration.
The announcement comes as Tanzania continues to position itself as a key transport and logistics hub in East Africa, with major infrastructure projects expected to reshape movement of goods and people within the region.
