The Tabora–Kigoma SGR will extend Tanzania’s standard-gauge railway infrastructure towards Lake Tanganyika, connecting the Kigoma Region with the Port of Dar es Salaam and the lake’s network of ports. The project is intended to reduce transport costs, improve freight reliability and support trade within Tanzania and across its borders.
The railway is also expected to support agriculture, fishing, warehousing, logistics and employment while strengthening Kigoma’s position as a transport hub serving Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia.
The President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, laid the foundation stone for the construction of the Tabora–Kigoma section of the Standard Gauge Railway on 20 July 2026.
The 506-kilometre project is valued at approximately US$2.74 billion, equivalent to around TSh7.4 trillion. It is expected to improve passenger and freight transport while opening new opportunities for trade, employment and investment.
Speaking at the ceremony in Kigoma, President Samia said the Government was continuing to develop an integrated national transport system linking railways, ports, roads and airports. The programme is intended to reduce transport costs, improve trade competitiveness and open new markets.
“Kigoma will no longer be the end of the railway. It will become the starting point for new trade and investment opportunities,” President Samia said.
Once completed, the Tabora–Kigoma SGR will connect the region with the Port of Dar es Salaam and the network of modern ports on Lake Tanganyika. The railway is expected to facilitate the movement of freight within Tanzania and across its borders, while improving access between the country’s rail and inland water transport systems.
The project is also expected to support agriculture, fishing and entrepreneurship in the Kigoma Region. Farmers and fishers are expected to benefit from faster, more affordable and reliable transport for agricultural inputs and produce, together with reduced transport times and costs.
President Samia said the Government’s investment in the corridor would create employment opportunities across railways, ports, warehousing, transport, hotels and other logistics services.
The new railway infrastructure is also intended to strengthen Kigoma’s role as a strategic transport and trade hub serving Tanzania and neighbouring Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia. This is expected to improve regional freight movements and trade across the Great Lakes region.
The foundation-stone ceremony took place alongside the launch of four new cargo vessels on Lake Tanganyika. The vessels form part of the Government’s strategy to expand marine transport services on the lake in partnership with the private sector.
Minister of Transport Prof. Makame Mbarawa said the Government intended to have a total of 14 new vessels in operation by 2028. The additional vessels are expected to increase freight capacity, support trade and attract further investment into the Great Lakes region.
President Samia also directed the Ministry of Transport to work with the private sector to oversee the construction of a modern ship maintenance workshop in Kigoma.
Qiu Guozhu, Vice-President of Zhiji Mining Group, which constructed the four vessels, said the company would continue investing in improvements to the Port of Kigoma and related transport infrastructure to increase the efficiency of regional trade.
The Tabora–Kigoma SGR forms part of the Government’s wider commitment to improving railway infrastructure, strengthening the national economy and positioning Tanzania as a transport and trade hub for East and Central Africa.
- President Samia Suluhu Hassan laid the foundation stone on 20 July 2026.
- The Tabora–Kigoma SGR will extend for 506 kilometres.
- The project is valued at approximately US$2.74 billion.
- The equivalent project value is around TSh7.4 trillion.
- The railway is intended to support passenger and freight transport.
- The line will connect Kigoma with the Port of Dar es Salaam and ports on Lake Tanganyika.
- The wider transport programme includes four new cargo vessels launched on Lake Tanganyika.
