Joseph Isangura
Tanzanian lawmaker Rashid Abdallah Shangazi, representing the Mlalo constituency, has urged the government to initiate a comprehensive legal review of the national transportation framework.
The aim, he says, is to unlock the door for greater private sector participation in major infrastructure projects such as the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) and the Dar es Salaam Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.
Shangazi made the remarks during a parliamentary session this week, emphasizing that current legislation is outdated and restrictive, limiting the potential for modernization and investment.
“Our transport sector is the backbone of economic growth. We must revise our laws to allow serious and regulated private investment to come in and support national projects,” Shangazi told Parliament.
Established in the 1970s with Chinese government support, TAZARA was once a symbol of African unity and cooperation. Stretching over 1,860 kilometers, the railway was intended to provide landlocked Zambia with a reliable route to the port of Dar es Salaam. Today, the railway operates well below capacity due to decades of underfunding, aging equipment, and lack of modernization.
Similarly, the BRT system, launched in 2016 to ease traffic congestion and improve public transport in the bustling city of Dar es Salaam, has faced operational challenges. Commuters frequently report long wait times, limited buses, and service breakdowns—problems that experts believe could be addressed with increased private involvement.
The MP advocated for the government to explore public–private partnerships (PPPs), citing successful examples in other African cities like Lagos, Nigeria, where the Lagos Bus Rapid Transit System operates under a franchised model.
“We cannot keep running these systems like we did 30 years ago. The world has moved on, and so should we. We have local and international investors ready to step in, but our laws must be aligned with that vision,” Shangazi said.
According to a recent African Development Bank report, Tanzania could attract billions of shillings in infrastructure funding by introducing more investor-friendly policies. The report highlights that legal uncertainty and procedural red tape often deter private partners from engaging in long-term projects in the region.
In response to the question raised by Shangazi, a government spokesperson acknowledged the value of private involvement but said that reforms would need to be carefully crafted to preserve public access and national interests.
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“We’re open to innovative funding models and PPPs, but we must also protect our national infrastructure and the people’s interests,” the official said.
The issue sparked lively debate in the House, with several MPs echoing the need for reform, albeit with proper oversight. Some suggested establishing an independent transport regulatory body to manage partnerships and ensure transparency.
Experts say legal and institutional reforms are essential for Tanzania to keep pace with regional competitors such as Kenya, whose Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) has significantly improved cargo transportation between Mombasa and Nairobi since its launch.
Urban planner and transport policy expert Jane Mwakalinga told reporters that Tanzania stands at a turning point.
“This is a moment of opportunity. With the right policies, Tanzania can transform its transport systems into models for the region.”
Shangazi concluded his remarks with a strong appeal for urgency.
“Time is of the essence. If we want to see progress in our generation, we must act now.”
