Tanzania’s SGR programme forms part of the country’s efforts to strengthen rail connectivity within East and Central Africa. Improved connections between cities and neighbouring countries are intended to support the movement of passengers and freight, facilitate cross-border trade and reduce dependence on road transport.
Beyond transport connectivity, the programme provides opportunities for local engineers, young people and women to develop technical skills through participation in major infrastructure projects. TRC’s emphasis on engineering expertise and local participation reflects the role of railway development in building the technical capacity required to support Africa’s longer-term infrastructure ambitions.
Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) has stated that it has achieved 60% of the agenda to connect African cities by 2063, a key component of the African Union’s (AU) Agenda 2063, which aims to promote development, peace and economic integration across the continent.
TRC Director General, Engineer Machibya Shiwa, made the remarks during a visit by Zanzibar’s Second Vice-President, Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, to the TRC exhibition stand at the 12th UNESCO Africa Engineering Week and the 10th African Engineers Conference, being held in Dar es Salaam from 14 to 17 September 2026.
Engineer Shiwa explained that the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project demonstrates how engineering, science and technology can address transport challenges and improve people’s lives by connecting communities with various opportunities.
“Tanzania has implemented more than 60% of the African resolution calling for all African capital cities to be connected by SGR by 2063. Connecting Africa’s capital cities will facilitate the movement of people and goods and open up opportunities for trade, tourism, agriculture, industry and investment,” said Engineer Shiwa.
He added that railway transport has positioned Tanzania to become a transport hub for East and Central Africa by facilitating trade and the movement of goods between countries, stimulating economic growth in Tanzania and neighbouring countries.
“By transporting large numbers of passengers through the SGR, as well as freight that previously travelled by road, the railway has helped reduce traffic congestion, road damage, fuel consumption, transport costs and environmental pollution,” said the TRC Director General.
He further explained that the development of reliable infrastructure depends on the knowledge, innovation and expertise of engineers, as well as providing opportunities for young people, women and local professionals to acquire skills and participate in major development projects.
In line with the theme of Engineering Week, which emphasises the importance of innovation, inclusion and sustainability in advancing Africa’s development, Shiwa said TRC has demonstrated that the construction of the SGR is about more than a railway. It is a project intended to connect people with opportunities, stimulate economic growth and establish a modern and sustainable transport system.
