Joseph Isangura
Tanzania’s Minister for Finance, Dr. Mwigulu Lameck Nchemba, met with the President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), Mr. Jin Liqun,
today during the Africa Energy Summit held at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam. The high-profile discussion centered on enhancing Tanzania’s infrastructure, with a particular focus on the ongoing Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project.
The summit, which brought together African leaders and global stakeholders, provided an opportunity for Tanzania to strengthen its partnerships with international financial institutions. During the meeting, Dr. Nchemba emphasized Tanzania’s commitment to modernizing its infrastructure to support economic growth and regional trade.
“Our country is on a journey of transformation, and infrastructure is key to unlocking our economic potential,” Dr. Nchemba said. “Engaging with partners like AIIB will help us achieve sustainable development and ensure long-term benefits for our citizens.”
The Standard Gauge Railway, a flagship project for Tanzania, took center stage in the discussions. Designed to improve transport efficiency and boost trade within the East African region, the SGR is a critical component of the government’s development strategy. Dr. Nchemba underscored the importance of securing support from AIIB to expedite the project and ensure its successful completion.
Mr. Jin Liqun expressed AIIB’s readiness to deepen its collaboration with Tanzania, acknowledging the country’s strategic approach to infrastructure development. “Tanzania is making commendable strides in building infrastructure that fosters economic growth and regional connectivity,” he said. “AIIB is keen to support projects that align with these goals.”
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The meeting also included senior officials from the Ministry of Finance, such as Mr. Rished Bade, Commissioner for External Finance, and Mr. Japhet Justine, Commissioner for Debt Management, alongside representatives from AIIB. Their presence highlighted the importance of this dialogue in shaping future cooperation between the two parties.
The Africa Energy Summit provided a backdrop for these discussions, as leaders explored ways to address the continent’s energy and infrastructure challenges. For Tanzania, the summit is a platform to attract investments and showcase its ambitious development agenda.
The SGR project, once completed, is expected to revolutionize Tanzania’s transport sector by providing an efficient alternative for cargo and passenger movement. The railway is also set to reduce road congestion and enhance the country’s trade competitiveness, making it a cornerstone of Tanzania’s economic transformation.
