Strategic infrastructure projects driving Tanzania’s economic future, says Mbarawa

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s infrastructure investments are playing a pivotal role in shaping the country’s economic trajectory, and their successful implementation hinges on strong, visionary leadership, the government has said.

Speaking at the Mwananchi Thought Leadership Forum (MTLF) held on Sunday in Dar es Salaam, Minister for Transport Prof Makame Mbarawa emphasised that long-term national growth depends heavily on the ability to plan and execute strategic projects.

“Infrastructure is the backbone of any nation’s economy, and its development requires a capable and patriotic government that ensures timely and efficient delivery,” Prof Mbarawa said.

He credited President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her hands-on leadership and commitment to ensuring continuity and efficiency in national infrastructure projects.

Highlighting the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) as a key example, Prof Mbarawa noted remarkable progress under the President’s stewardship. When she took office, the Dar es Salaam–Morogoro section of the SGR was 83 percent complete. Today, that figure has reached 99.72 percent.

“This demonstrates not only technical achievement but also the political will and focus necessary to deliver such a transformative project,” he said.

The minister added that the Morogoro–Makutupora section of the railway, which stood at 57.7 percent completion when President Hassan assumed office, has now reached 97.8 percent.

Prof Mbarawa said that while infrastructure projects often come with complex challenges, progress depends on determined leadership.

“A leader with vision and a deep sense of patriotism ensures projects do not stall—they are pushed forward to completion,” he said.

He also cited the Kigongo–Busisi Bridge, officially known as the John Pombe Magufuli Bridge, as another success story. Although still in its early stages when handed over, the project has now reached completion under President Hassan’s administration.

Prof Mbarawa expressed optimism that Tanzania is on course to achieve upper-middle-income status within the next five to six years, with infrastructure development serving as a key growth engine.

“Strategic infrastructure investments are creating jobs, improving trade logistics, and opening up new economic zones. These projects are the catalysts of our economic transformation,” he said.

The government, he added, remains focused on completing infrastructure projects that promote connectivity, facilitate commerce, and lay the foundation for long-term prosperity.

“When we build railways, roads, and bridges, we are building more than physical structures—we are building the future of Tanzania,” said Prof Mbarawa.