Tanzania, Burundi Launch $2.15B Uvinza–Musongati SGR to Boost Trade and Regional Integration Tanzania and Burundi have officially launched construction of a state-of-the-art standard gauge railway (SGR) linking Uvinza in western Tanzania to Musongati in eastern Burundi. The 240-kilometre cross-border line, valued at over $2.15 billion, is the first of its kind in East Africa. The project was inaugurated with a foundation stone-laying ceremony led by Tanzanian Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa.
Category: East Africa
Kenya Seeks $4 Billion to Expand China-Built Railway
Kenya to Raise $4B for Railway Expansion, in Talks With Etihad Rail for Freight Operations Kenya plans to raise $4 billion by securitising an import levy to fund the extension of its China-built standard gauge railway (SGR) and is in talks with Etihad Rail to operate freight services, Transport Secretary Davis Chirchir announced. Under the plan, Kenya Railways Corp. will oversee engineering and maintenance, while private operators—including Etihad Rail—would run
AfDB Commits $500 Million to Ethiopia’s $10 Billion Mega Airport Project
African Development Bank to Fund Ethiopia’s Future Largest Airport in Africa with $500 Million Investment The African Development Bank (AfDB) has pledged up to $500 million to help finance Ethiopia’s planned mega airport, set to become the largest in Africa once completed. State-owned Ethiopian Airlines has signed a design agreement for the four-runway facility, which will be located near Bishoftu, approximately 45 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa. The airline will
Asphalting to Begin on Key North Kivu Roads as DRC-Uganda Cross-Border Project Relaunches
DRC to Begin Asphalting Kasindi-Beni-Butembo Roads in 2026 Under $551M Uganda-DRC Infrastructure Project Asphalting work on the Kasindi–Beni (80 km) and Beni–Butembo (54 km) road sections in North Kivu province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is set to begin in the first quarter of 2026, according to Steven Nyembo, site supervisor for Dott Services Ltd, the contracted construction firm. These upgrades form part of a larger cross-border infrastructure project officially
DRC and Tanzania Launch Cross-Border Dry Port Project to Boost Trade and Cut Delays
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Tanzania have officially exchanged land titles as part of a groundbreaking cross-border infrastructure deal aimed at improving regional trade and reducing customs delays. The agreement paves the way for the construction of dry ports that will serve as key logistics hubs, easing congestion and accelerating cargo movement between the two countries. The formal land exchange took place on June 18, 2025, in Dar
Tech Shortfall Forces Repatriation of Tanzanian Truck Drivers from Qatar
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
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