Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço have emphasized the need to connect railway networks across Africa to facilitate trade, cargo movement, and economic growth. The two leaders highlighted the importance of linking Tanzania's Central Corridor with Angola's Benguela Corridor, a project expected to extend connectivity to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
President Hassan said Tanzania and Zambia were continuing with the rehabilitation of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (Tazara) line up to Kapiri Mposhi, while Angola was also rehabilitating the Benguela Railway. However, she noted that an additional section of railway infrastructure was still needed to connect the two networks and enable seamless transport between the corridors.
The proposed connection between the Benguela Corridor and Tanzania's Central Corridor would make the movement of passengers and cargo easier, accelerate trade, and strengthen the economies of countries along the routes. President Hassan stressed the importance of collective commitment among African countries in achieving railway network integration, saying improved connectivity would increase interaction among citizens and stimulate economic and social development across the region.
President Lourenço described railway transport as an important opportunity for African countries to strengthen regional integration, facilitate the movement of people and goods, and expand trade between nations. The remarks came as the two leaders travelled to Dodoma, where President Hassan was scheduled to inaugurate government ministry and institutional office buildings, alongside tarmac roads, at Mtumba Government City.
President Lourenço was in Tanzania for a three-day working visit, running from October 28 to 30, aimed at strengthening diplomatic and economic cooperation between the two countries. During his visit, the two leaders also signed four agreements to deepen economic relations between Tanzania and Angola.
The connection of the railway networks is expected to have a positive impact on the economies of Tanzania, Angola, and the DRC. The project is also expected to increase trade and economic cooperation between the three countries and stimulate economic growth in the region.
The two-day visit by President Lourenço came as Tanzania continues to develop its infrastructure, including the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) train from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma. The SGR train is expected to improve transportation in the country and increase economic growth.
Key points
- Tanzania and Angola are pushing to connect their railway networks to boost regional trade and economic growth.
- The proposed connection between the Benguela Corridor and Tanzania's Central Corridor would make the movement of passengers and cargo easier and accelerate trade.
- The project is expected to increase trade and economic cooperation between Tanzania, Angola, and the DRC and stimulate economic growth in the region.
