Tanzania's Deputy Minister for Transport, David Kihenzile, has emphasized the need for African nations to reduce freight costs, strengthen economic corridors, and adopt tracking technology to remain competitive in modern trade. Speaking at the Eighth Africa Conference on Supply Chain Operations and Management (ACOSCM) in Arusha on September 22, 2026, Kihenzile highlighted the crucial role of transport as a primary economic driver. He outlined five key priorities for stakeholders to address.
Kihenzile stressed that Tanzania's transport sector has made significant strides, contributing $2.7 billion to the national economy in 2025, up from $2.2 billion in 2024. He attributed this growth to massive government investments aligned with the National Development Vision 2050. These investments include the joint rehabilitation of the 1,860-kilometre Tazara railway and the construction of the 2,200-kilometre Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).
The Deputy Minister pointed to several major infrastructure projects underway in Tanzania, including the $1.3 billion rehabilitation of the Tazara railway and the $11.2 billion construction of the SGR. Additionally, the government is reviving the Meter Gauge Railway, modernizing coastal ports, and expanding Air Tanzania's fleet from a single aircraft in 2016 to 16 today. These initiatives aim to enhance the country's transportation network.
The two-day ACOSCM forum, themed "An innovative, resilient and inclusive African supply chain for Africa's sustainable development," has attracted over 200 delegates from across Africa and beyond. Mzumbe University Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof Hawa Petro, noted that the conference aims to promote evidence-based research to address institutional and infrastructural bottlenecks across the continent.
Mzumbe University Vice-Chancellor, Prof William Mwegoha, emphasized the importance of cross-border academic cooperation in producing research capable of solving supply chain challenges. He highlighted the need for collaboration among stakeholders to develop innovative solutions for Africa's sustainable development. The conference provides a platform for experts to share knowledge and best practices.
Kihenzile's call for reduced freight costs and modernized supply chains resonates with the conference theme. He challenged stakeholders to address critical priorities, including cutting cargo expenses, strengthening corridors, enhancing tracking visibility, empowering women, youth, and SMEs in value chains, and building climate-resilient networks. These priorities are crucial for Africa's sustainable development.
The ACOSCM conference in Arusha brings together experts and stakeholders to discuss innovative solutions for Africa's supply chain challenges. With a focus on sustainable development, the conference aims to promote collaboration and knowledge sharing among delegates. The outcome of the conference is expected to contribute to the development of more efficient and resilient supply chains in Africa.
Key points
- Tanzania's transport sector contributed $2.7 billion to the national economy in 2025.
- The government is investing in major infrastructure projects, including the $11.2 billion Standard Gauge Railway.
- The ACOSCM conference aims to promote evidence-based research to address institutional and infrastructural bottlenecks across the continent.
