China Railway Construction Engineering (East Africa) Limited (CRJE) has been a significant player in Tanzania's development for over five decades. The company's journey in Tanzania began in 1969 with the construction of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA), where 1,114 employees were dispatched to participate in the project. CRJE undertook substantial building works along the railway line, including 93 stations, locomotive and rolling stock repair plants, and hospitals. This marked the beginning of a long association with Tanzania, which has continued to grow and expand over the years.
CRJE's Tanzania story is closely linked to the country's development vision. The company's formal registration in Dar es Salaam in 2000 coincided with Tanzania's launch of Vision 2025. Since then, CRJE has continued to contribute to Tanzania's growth, with its business expanding significantly. The company's experience and areas of operation position it to contribute to Tanzania's new National Development Vision 2050, also known as Dira 2050, which seeks to build Tanzania into a prosperous, just, and self-reliant nation by 2050.
CRJE's contribution to Tanzania's development is visible across several sectors, particularly infrastructure. The company's portfolio covers housing and buildings, roads, airports, power, water, irrigation, ports, and investment. Notable projects include the Nyerere Bridge and approach road, which transformed connectivity between Kurasini and Kigamboni, and the Mtwara Port project, which has supported port efficiency and trade in agricultural products. CRJE has also worked on the Iringa Irrigation Project and the Geita medium- and low-voltage electricity transmission line.
In addition to physical infrastructure, CRJE's contribution to Tanzania's development goes beyond construction. The company prioritizes local employment, with Tanzanian workers accounting for over 90% of its workforce on projects. CRJE also runs mentor-apprentice training programs, using construction sites as practical learning environments for young people. The company has launched initiatives such as the Chinese Workmanship for Tanzania Future Talent Development Programme to reinforce its focus on skills development.
Environmental sustainability is another area of focus for CRJE. The company built the Kinondoni Composting Plant, which can process up to 50 tonnes of waste daily, helping improve the urban environment. CRJE also applies green construction practices in projects involving sensitive ecosystems, with an emphasis on protecting biodiversity. As Tanzania accelerates its digital transformation, CRJE is ready to introduce digital technologies, smart construction, and digital solutions into its operations.
The renewed TAZARA partnership is also significant for CRJE's future outlook. In September 2025, Tanzania, Zambia, and China formally signed the TAZARA revitalization project, followed by a joint statement on building the TAZARA Prosperity Belt. CRJE sees this development as an opportunity to connect infrastructure, trade, and regional economic development while strengthening cooperation between Tanzania, Zambia, and China.
As Tanzania pursues Dira 2050, CRJE believes its decades-long experience, infrastructure expertise, local workforce, and growing focus on technology and sustainability can help it remain part of the country's transformation. The company is committed to working hand in hand with partners from all sectors in Tanzania to support the realization of Dira 2050. With its extensive experience and areas of operation, CRJE is well-positioned to contribute to Tanzania's growth and development in the years to come.
Key points
- CRJE has been a significant player in Tanzania's development for over five decades, with a long association with the country dating back to the construction of TAZARA in 1969.
- The company's experience and areas of operation position it to contribute to Tanzania's new National Development Vision 2050, also known as Dira 2050.
- CRJE's contribution to Tanzania's development goes beyond physical infrastructure, with a focus on local employment, skills development, and environmental sustainability.
