Rail-air link fuels hope

TANZANIA: ANALYSTS have expressed optimism that integrating rail and airport networks will significantly boost Tanzania’s economic growth and support the country’s ambitious goal of becoming a 1 trillion US dollar economy by 2050, as outlined in the National Development Vision 2050.

This positive outlook comes in the wake of a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) and the Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA).

The agreement aims to connect railway lines to major airports, enhancing transport efficiency and streamlining the movement of people, goods and services across the country.

Speaking to Sunday News yesterday in a telephone interview, Senior Economics Lecturer at Mzumbe University Dr Eliaza Mkuna, described the transport sector as fundamental to economic development.

He explained that transport facilitates all aspects of production and economic activities stating that efficient transport systems also attract investment opportunities by reducing both time and costs.

Dr Mkuna commended the initiative, labelling it as a long-awaited step towards modern infrastructure integration, similar to systems in more developed African countries like South Africa.

“If these transport sector is properly integrated, there is a strong possibility that Tanzania can achieve the 1 trillion US dollar economy target by 2050, provided there is a commitment to quality, effective planning and careful implementation in line with population growth,” said Dr Mkuna.

He added that “I urged for broader collaboration and I recommend that TRC should not only integrate with TAA but also with other key stakeholders in the transport sector, such as the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA).”

He further said that this development will also stimulate tourism in under explored regions, such as the Southern Highlands, where the presence of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) has already increased tourist numbers in areas it serves.

Dr Mkuna added that the integration of transport infrastructure will support various development activities, particularly in trade as both institutions have expanded their freight services.

While applauding the initiative, he advised that thorough strategic planning should be undertaken, particularly by identifying potential challenges that could hinder progress.

Echoing Dr Mkuna’s views, an Economist and Business Analyst from Saint Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT) Dr Sylvester Jotta, described the MoU as a significant milestone that will improve operational efficiency in both rail and air transport.

He underscored that the two modes will not compete but rather complement each other.

However, Dr Jotta stressed on the importance of adopting a more business-oriented approach to ensure long-term sustainability and profitability.

He urged the two entities to explore diversified operational strategies to increase revenue and minimise losses.

Furthermore, he recommended the adoption of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to enable the transport sector to compete more effectively with the private sector.

The MoU was officially signed on Friday in Dar es Salaam by TRC Director General Eng Machibya Shiwa and TAA Director General Abdulrahman Mmbando.

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Under the agreement, TRC will develop railway infrastructure, including rail lines and train stations to connect with major airports.

Eng Shiwa revealed that feasibility studies for a railway linkage between Dar es Salaam and Julius Nyerere International Airport have already been completed, while studies to connect Dodoma Station to Msalato Airport are currently being finalised.