PRESIDENT SAMIA LAUNCHES FOUR CARGO VESSELS, BREAKS GROUND FOR TABORA-KIGOMA STANDARD GAUGE RAILWAY

President Samia Suluhu Hassan today launched four new cargo vessels on Lake Tanganyika and laid the foundation stone for the 506-kilometre Tabora-Kigoma Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), reinforcing Tanzania's drive to strengthen regional transport and trade connectivity. 

The President said the government is building an integrated transport network linking railways, ports, roads and airports to lower logistics costs, boost trade competitiveness and expand market access.

"Kigoma will no longer be the end of the railway. It will become the gateway to new trade and investment opportunities," President Samia said. 

She said the Tabora-Kigoma railway will connect the region to the Port of Dar es Salaam and Lake Tanganyika's modern port network, enabling faster and more efficient movement of cargo to domestic and regional markets. She further said the government's investments will create new employment opportunities across rail operations, ports, warehousing, logistics, hospitality and other supply chain services.

The projects, President Samia said, will directly benefit Kigoma residents, particularly farmers and fishing communities, by improving access to affordable farm inputs, expanding market opportunities and reducing transport costs and transit times. 

The President also directed the Ministry of Transport to work with the private sector to oversee the development of a modern ship repair and maintenance yard in Kigoma. 

Speaking at the event, Minister for Transport, Hon. Prof. Makame Mbarawa, said the four cargo vessels, built by China's Zhiji Mining Group, form part of the government's strategy to expand maritime transport services on Lake Tanganyika through public-private partnership. 

He said the government plans to expand its Lake Tanganyika fleet to 14 vessels by 2028, a move expected to boost cargo volumes, deepen regional trade and strengthen Kigoma's position as a logistics gateway for the Great Lakes region.

Meanwhile, Mr. Qiu Guozhu, the Vice President of Zhiji Mining Group, said the company remains committed to upgrading Kigoma's port facilities and transport infrastructure to strengthen the Central Africa - Great Lakes logistics corridor. He further said the four-vessel project reflects the growing economic partnership between Tanzania and China. "This project is a testament to the enduring friendship and practical cooperation between China and Tanzania," said Mr. Guozhu.