Qatar has repatriated 75 Tanzanian truck drivers after they failed to operate advanced heavy-duty vehicles, highlighting a critical skills gap in Tanzania’s workforce. The drivers, deployed to Doha for commercial transport jobs, were unable to handle the highly automated Volvo trucks used in Qatar’s logistics sector. Trained primarily on outdated manual vehicles in Tanzania, the drivers reportedly froze when faced with the digital dashboards and GPS-guided systems of the modern
Category: East Africa
Mozambique and Tanzania Strengthen Ties with One-Stop Border Post and New Cooperation Agreements
Mozambique and Tanzania have signed an agreement to establish a One-Stop Border Post aimed at streamlining trade and facilitating the movement of people and goods between the two countries. The agreement was formalized on Thursday during Mozambican President Daniel Chapo’s first state visit to Tanzania. “The initiative represents the operationalization of a shared vision between two brotherly nations,” said President Chapo, who emphasized the deep cultural and linguistic ties between
Kenya Courts Private Investors to Boost Mombasa and Lamu Port Expansion
Kenya is turning to private investors to help develop and operate two critical seaports—Mombasa and Lamu—along the Indian Ocean, as it seeks to remain competitive amid growing regional port rivalry. According to the National Treasury, the government is seeking transaction advisers to help structure public-private partnership (PPP) deals for the two port projects. The move comes as the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) faces financial constraints and lacks the capacity to
Kenya Airways Achieves Remarkable Financial Turnaround with 124% Profit Surge
Kenya Airways (KQ) PLC has reported a remarkable financial recovery, posting a 124% increase in profit after tax, reaching Ksh 5.4 billion for the year ending December 31, 2024. This marks a significant rebound from the Ksh 22.6 billion loss recorded in 2023, representing an impressive Ksh 28 billion improvement. This marks the first time in over a decade that Kenya Airways has posted a profit, highlighting the success of
Ethiopian Airlines and AfDB Partner on $7.8 Billion Bishoftu Airport Project
Ethiopian Airlines has signed a memorandum of understanding with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to collaborate on the Bishoftu International Airport Development Project, a major infrastructure initiative aimed at boosting Ethiopia’s aviation capacity. The agreement was signed by Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew and AfDB Vice President for Regional Development, Integration, and Strategy, Nnenna Nwabufo, in the presence of AfDB President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina. With a projected cost of
Tanzania and Kenya Compete for Hub Status as Port Expansion Drives Regional Growth
Port expansion efforts, both underway and planned, are intensifying competition among operators as they vie for key hub status to support the growing integration of the region into global supply chains. The primary contenders in this race are Tanzania and Kenya. Tanzania’s plans have gained significant momentum with the European Union (EU) investing EUR 15 million into the Tanzania Trade and Transport Improvement Project, which is set to launch in
Tanzania and Burundi Sign $2.15 Billion Railway Deal to Boost Regional Connectivity
On January 29, 2025, Tanzania and Burundi signed an agreement to construct a 282-kilometer Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) linking Uvinza in Tanzania to Musongati in Burundi. The $2.15 billion project, awarded to China Railway Engineering Group Co. Ltd (CREGC) and China Railway Engineering Design and Consulting Group Co. Ltd (CREDC), is set for completion within 72 months. The signing ceremony took place at the John Pombe Magufuli SGR station in
Kenya and UAE Explore Partnership to Extend Standard Gauge Railway to Uganda and South Sudan
Kenya has announced ongoing discussions with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to expand its Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) network to Uganda and South Sudan, aiming to bolster regional trade and integration. President William Ruto shared the update on X, stating:“We are exploring a partnership agreement with the United Arab Emirates to extend the Standard Gauge Railway to connect Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan.” As part of the initiative, Kenya and
AfDB Partners with Deutsche Bank and Société Générale to Mobilize $1.2 Billion for Tanzania’s SGR Project
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has signed a coordination agreement with Deutsche Bank and Société Générale to mobilize up to $1.2 billion for the construction of Tanzania’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR). This agreement was formalized during the African Investment Forum’s 2024 Market Days in Rabat, Morocco, as stated in an official AfDB release. The funds will support the development of a 411-kilometre railway line connecting Tabora and Kigoma in western
Air Congo Expands with New Aircraft, Boosting Connectivity and Economic Potential
Air Congo, the new national airline born from a partnership between the Congolese state and Ethiopian Airlines, has reached a significant milestone with the arrival of its second Boeing 737-800. This acquisition is part of a broader expansion plan that includes a total of eight aircraft, with six expected within the year. The addition of this second aircraft marks a turning point for air connectivity in the Democratic Republic of