Countries with modern roads, efficient ports, standard-gauge railways, and international-standard airports unlock significant social and economic opportunities. Despite Tanzania’s strategic location, rich natural resources, and unique geography, the country continues to grapple with inadequate infrastructure.
Projects have often been executed with short-term thinking, leading to roads repeatedly torn up and rebuilt. Experts cite the absence of long-term planning that accounts for population growth, technological change, and economic shifts as the primary challenge.
The African Democratic Alliance (Ada-Tadea) has unveiled its manifesto ahead of the October 2025 General Election.
The highly anticipated election is expected to elect the Union and Zanzibar presidents, Members of Parliament (MPs), Members of the Zanzibar House of Representatives, and councillors.
In the manifesto, the opposition party proposes a sweeping reform of the infrastructure sector.
The party advocates planning with a 100-year horizon rather than pursuing projects quickly rendered obsolete by rapid urbanisation.
Flagship Project: Bagamoyo–Zanzibar Bridge
A centrepiece of Ada-Tadea’s proposals is the execution of the bridge project linking Bagamoyo and Zanzibar.
If realised, it would mark a historic achievement for East Africa and strengthen national cohesion.
The bridge is expected to transform transport between the mainland and the islands, with ripple effects across roads, ports, railways, and airports.
Ada-Tadea says the bridge will be constructed to high technical standards using modern technology, allowing citizens to travel freely without relying solely on ferries or planes. The initiative aims to stimulate trade, tourism, and social integration, while accelerating the movement of goods and people.
Economists suggest it could boost national income by facilitating investment in industry, tourism, and agriculture through Zanzibar’s markets. Infrastructure expert Zacharia Singano welcomed the plan but highlighted the technical hurdles posed by the Indian Ocean.
“The sea between Bagamoyo and Zanzibar stretches over 30 kilometres, with depths ranging from 50 to 100 metres,” he told The Citizen’s sister newspaper Mwananchi in a telephone interview.
“Strong waves and currents make this far more complex than a typical road or river bridge. Advanced technology, akin to long-span bridges in China, Japan, or South Korea, will be required,” he emphasised.
Furthermore, Mr Singano noted other challenges, including the need for deep foundations, corrosion-resistant steel and concrete, resilience to strong winds, and minor seismic activity along the coast.
“Design and feasibility studies alone could take several years, with significant upfront costs before construction starts,” he added.
Road network overhaul
Ada-Tadea proposes a comprehensive upgrade of the road network.
Strategic roads will meet modern standards, with city entry roads expanded to eight lanes, municipal roads to six lanes, and town roads to four lanes.
Pedestrian lanes, underpasses, and flyovers will be integrated according to local geography, reducing accidents and minimising demolition of residents’ homes.
The initiative seeks to shield citizens from poverty caused by inadequate compensation and reduce the psychological stress of forced evictions.
Modernising ports
Ports are a major priority. Ada-Tadea pledges to upgrade all Tanzanian ports with modern cargo and passenger facilities.
Kigoma, Mwanza, Musoma, Bukoba, Mbamba Bay, and Itungi will be refurbished to match growing trade.
Dry ports in the Coast Region, Kigoma, Fela, Mtwara, Mbamba Bay, and Isaka will also be upgraded to improve goods transit efficiency, leveraging Tanzania’s strategic location to serve landlocked neighbouring countries effectively and position the nation as a commercial and transport hub in East Africa.
Air transport revamp
In aviation, the manifesto outlines plans to upgrade airports in Mtwara, Kigoma, Mwanza, and Mbeya to international standards, enabling them to handle large aircraft and establish direct links with neighbouring countries. Airports in Singida, Songea, Shinyanga, Iringa, Bariadi, Bukoba, and Musoma will also be enhanced to meet rising urban demands, reducing pressure on major hubs and improving regional access.
Railway expansion
Ada-Tadea aims to complete the central railway line to Kigoma and Mwanza, construct new lines to Burundi and Mpanda, and revive routes first proposed in the 1970s. These include Mtwara–Mbamba Bay, Tanga–Musoma, and Itigi–Lake Eyasi via Singida to Songea.
The objective is to link national resources, including iron, coal, and soda ash, to regional and international markets, driving significant economic transformation.
Urban transport solutions
The party proposes modernising urban transport through bus rapid transit (BRT) systems in new cities such as Dodoma and metro trains in complex cities like Mwanza.
Investments will also include cable cars in hilly areas to improve mobility.
In Dar es Salaam, BRT systems will be reinforced through public-private partnerships (PPPs) between the government and local firms, while commuter minibuses (daladala) will operate under fair competition. The goal is to reduce congestion and improve urban commuting.
Ada-Tadea’s emphasis
Ada-Tadea’s infrastructure vision represents a bold departure from conventional short-term projects, emphasising long-term planning, modern technology, and social inclusivity.
If implemented, the proposed Bagamoyo–Zanzibar Bridge, alongside road, port, airport, railway, and urban transport reforms, could significantly transform Tanzania’s economic landscape.
By linking the mainland with Zanzibar and enhancing connectivity across cities and regions, the party seeks to create a foundation for sustained economic growth, investment, and social cohesion for decades to come.
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