She pledges to accelerate development projects, including a new 1,000-kilometre Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Mtwara to Mbamba Bay
Nyasa. President of Tanzania and CCM presidential candidate, Samia Suluhu Hassan, has pledged to accelerate major development projects across southern Tanzania, including a new 1,000-kilometre Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Mtwara to Mbamba Bay.
Addressing thousands of residents at a campaign rally at Mbamba Bay, Nyasa District in Ruvuma, President Hassan said the railway is a crucial component of the southern development and industrialisation strategy, designed to boost trade, attract investment in mining and strengthen economic ties with Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia.
The railway line will pass through agriculturally productive areas and link key economic zones such as Liganga and Mchuchuma, which are rich in iron and coal resources.
“Preliminary studies have been completed, and we are in the process of finalising agreements to commence construction. Once operational, this railway will bring significant economic benefits to the entire corridor,” she said.
President Hassan said that her 2020–2025 manifesto has laid a strong foundation for a new economic revolution in the region.
She outlined a strategic plan to open the south economically, focusing on ports, roads, railways, and value-added industries to stimulate the Lake Nyasa economy. Three flagship projects in Nyasa District were highlighted as catalysts for growth and improved connectivity with neighbouring countries.
The first project is the Mbamba Bay Port, whose construction began after President Hassan laid the foundation stone in September last year. The Sh81 billion project is now 80 percent complete and is expected to be fully operational by January 2026.
Once completed, Mbamba Bay will serve as the headquarters for eight Lake Nyasa ports, including Liuli, Manda, Kiwira, Lupingu, Itungi, Ndumbi, and Matema, providing an alternative trade route for goods destined for Malawi and Zambia.
The second key project is the 66-kilometre Mbinga–Mbamba Bay road, which links the port of Mtwara to Mbamba Bay. This vital road significantly improves the transport of both goods and passengers and strengthens regional connectivity.
The third project is the upgraded Ndumbi Port, which now has an annual cargo handling capacity of 110,000 tonnes, up from 40,000 tonnes, while passenger traffic has risen from 45,000 to 100,000 per year.
On job creation, President Hassan said crop value-addition factories will be established in every district. “Here in Nyasa, we will install a fish-drying plant and a coffee huller.
I urge MPs and councillors to oversee these projects to ensure they benefit citizens and particularly create opportunities for youth employment,” she said.
President Hassan also pledged continued support for the fishing sector, including the provision of modern equipment and specialised rescue boats for Lake Nyasa.
She further promised to strengthen crop markets, secure better prices for farmers, provide subsidised inputs and fertiliser, and introduce modern agricultural extension services using trained graduates.
Infrastructure development remains a priority, with plans for several all-weather roads and the construction of a bridge over the Lumeme River. “Road construction is costly—one kilometre costs the same as two health centres. Nevertheless, our commitment is to serve the people and deliver on these projects,” she said.
CCM Secretary-General Dr Asha-Rose Migiro noted that citizens were satisfied with the achievements under the 2020–2025 manifesto and called for a new mandate to continue progress.
Local CCM parliamentary candidates highlighted tangible improvements in their constituencies, including new health centres, electricity for hundreds of villages, upgraded water infrastructure, and a rise in coffee prices from Sh3,600 to nearly Sh12,000 per kilo, directly boosting household incomes.
President Hassan’s running mate, Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi, expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him, promising to serve as a loyal assistant in delivering the party’s manifesto and her vision for the nation. “We are committed to ensuring these plans become a reality for the people of southern Tanzania,” he said.
CCM chairman for Ruvuma, Odo Mwisho, pledged that the region would deliver a landslide victory for President Hassan. When launching the Mbamba Bay Port in 2024, President Hassan underlined its strategic importance not only for Tanzania but also for Malawi, Zambia, Mozambique and the wider SADC region.
“True economic diplomacy and African free trade require investment, reciprocal development, and flourishing trade for all countries involved,” she said.
CCM parliamentary candidates for Nyasa and Mbinga also spoke at the rally. John Nchimbi (Nyasa) highlighted the significance of the Mbamba Bay Port, now 80 percent complete, calling it a game-changer for the local economy that will open a new era of trade and investment.
“Once operational, the port will serve as the hub for eight Lake Nyasa ports and create opportunities for our youth,” he said.
Judith Kapinga (Mbinga Urban) and Jonas Mbunda (Mbinga Rural) highlighted tangible improvements in their constituencies, including new health centres, electricity reaching hundreds of villages, upgraded water infrastructure, and a remarkable increase in coffee prices from Sh3,600 to nearly Sh12,000 per kilo, boosting local incomes.
