Govt touts economic, social gains of infrastructure investment

Dar es Salaam. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to infrastructure development as a key pillar of Tanzania’s long-term economic and social transformation, saying transport and logistics networks are central to unlocking the country’s full potential.

Speaking at the Mwananchi Thought Leadership Forum on national development priorities, the Minister of State in the President’s Office for Planning and Investment, Prof Kitila Mkumbo, underscored the strategic importance of ongoing and planned infrastructure investments.

“Beyond defence, security, and governance, the government’s foremost priority is economic and transport infrastructure,” said Prof Mkumbo.

He explained that well-developed roads, bridges, and transport systems not only facilitate trade but also enhance social mobility and regional integration, especially in high-potential areas like the Lake Zone, which is home to over 16.3 million people—roughly 26 percent of the national population.

Prof Mkumbo singled out the construction of a major bridge in the Lake Zone as a transformative project that will directly impact the region’s contribution to national growth.

“Mwanza alone contributes Sh13.5 trillion annually to the economy, making it the second-largest regional GDP contributor after Dar es Salaam,” he said.

According to Prof Mkumbo, the bridge will significantly improve connectivity within the Lake Zone and with neighbouring countries, thereby lowering transport costs and boosting trade.

“For people to enjoy economic freedom, they must be able to produce—and equally important, they must be able to transport their goods affordably, reliably, and on time,” he said.

The minister also linked the infrastructure agenda to President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s broader development vision, which seeks to “open up the country” by improving access and movement across regions.

“You cannot open up a nation without opening up its roads, bridges, ports, and transport corridors,” Prof Mkumbo noted.

He further cited the upcoming Vision 2050, Tanzania’s long-term national development framework, which aims to grow the economy to $1 trillion by the year 2050. Central to that ambition, he said, is investment in transport and logistics.

“Among the five strategic drivers of economic growth, the number one priority is the development of connective infrastructure,” he said. “What we are doing through the Ministry of works is the execution of this vision.”

Prof Mkumbo stressed that no nation can achieve sustainable development without a strong physical infrastructure backbone.

“In any economy, the foundation of development is its transport and trade network,” he said. “That is why the government continues to prioritise these transformative projects.”

Ongoing infrastructure investments are expected to reduce business costs, improve market access, and accelerate inclusive economic growth in line with national development goals.