Msalato Airport takes off as regional hub  

The visionary leadership of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere to shift Tanzania’s capital to Dodoma is now bearing fruit, as further enhanced by the progressive leadership of the sixth phase government led by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Building on this foundation, Tanzania’s government is gearing up to position the soon-to-be-completed Msalato International Airport as a central hub for both cargo and passenger air transport within the Great Lakes region.

This ambitious plan, shared by Tanzania’s Ambassador to Sweden, Ambassador Mobhare Matinyi, reflects a broader strategy aimed at spurring economic growth and transforming the country’s connectivity on the continental and global stage.

Speaking at an event held at Stockholm’s Arlanda International Airport, on Monday, Ambassador Matinyi conveyed the government’s clear vision to aviation executives from Avia Solutions Group, a leading European aviation company, that Msalato International Airport will become a magnet for international investment and a vital link between Tanzania, the Great Lakes region, and the wider world.

Why Msalato? Why now?

Nestled in Dodoma, Tanzania’s rapidly growing capital city, Msalato International Airport is more than just a construction project, it is a strategic investment in the future. Currently, infrastructure work on the airport is 94 percent complete, with buildings at 62 percent, signaling a strong finish line in sight. When fully operational, the airport is expected to handle both domestic and international flights, dramatically expanding Tanzania’s aviation capacity.

This expansion is not just about flights; it is about positioning Tanzania as a gateway for trade, tourism, and investment, with ripple effects throughout the region. The Great Lakes region, which includes countries such as Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo, stands to benefit immensely from a well-connected, modern air transport hub.

Economic growth on the wings of aviation

The advantages of having an airport like Msalato cannot be overstated. Airports are economic engines that stimulate local and national economies. They create jobs not only at the airport itself but also in related sectors such as hospitality, logistics, and retail. With Msalato handling more passenger and cargo traffic, Tanzania’s economy will enjoy a boost in foreign direct investment and improved access to international markets.

One of the particularly exciting aspects highlighted by Ambassador Matinyi is the airport’s potential to enhance logistics services for exporters of perishable goods. Tanzania and its neighbors are rich in agricultural products namely fruits, vegetables, and flowers, which require swift, reliable transport to reach global markets without spoiling. Msalato will provide world-class logistics infrastructure to ensure that these goods maintain their freshness, opening doors to premium markets in Europe, Asia, and beyond.

Collaboration and learning from the best

Here, the event in Stockholm brought together a distinguished Tanzanian delegation eager to learn from Europe’s top aviation experts. The team included Engineer Shomari Shomari, Director of Transport Infrastructure at the Ministry of Transport; Clemence Jingu, Director of Msalato International Airport; and Shani Mayosa, Legal Counsel from the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA).

Their mission? To observe and absorb the latest in airport technology and operations, managed expertly by Avia Solutions Group. This company boasts over 50 years of experience, a fleet of 221 leased aircraft, and manages 15 airports across Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, and several other countries in Europe. Learning from such a seasoned group will surely pay dividends in how Msalato is run.

Beyond Dodoma: Strategic importance for the Great Lakes Region

Msalato’s location in Dodoma is no accident. The city has been growing rapidly as Tanzania’s political capital and a center for economic activity. By situating a major international airport here, Tanzania is decentralizing its aviation infrastructure away from the traditional hub in Dar es Salaam, balancing regional development more equitably.

For neighboring countries, Msalato offers an alternative route for goods and passengers, reducing reliance on more congested airports. This can translate into reduced transit times and lower costs for businesses and travelers alike. Moreover, a regional hub in Dodoma can foster greater regional integration, encouraging trade and collaboration within the East African Community and beyond.

A word of thanks and a hint at deeper discussions

Ambassador Matinyi deserves commendation for his patriotic zeal and strategic vision in championing this endeavor. His engagement with European aviation experts demonstrates Tanzania’s commitment to international partnerships and high standards.

While the public part of the visit focused on welcoming the Tanzanian delegation and discussing the benefits of Msalato, one can only imagine the depth of conversations that took place behind closed doors. Likely topics could have included: Financing and investment models and that is how to secure sustainable funding for airport operations and expansions.

Technology transfer: Tailoring European airport technologies to Tanzanian conditions.

Operational efficiency: Strategies to minimize delays and maximize cargo throughput.

Regulatory frameworks: Harmonizing Tanzania’s aviation regulations with international standards to attract airlines.

Environmental sustainability: Incorporating green technologies and practices in airport design and operation.

Tourism promotion: Joint initiatives to boost inbound tourism using the airport as a gateway.

These discussions, no doubt, form the backbone of a plan to ensure that Msalato not only opens on schedule but operates at the highest levels of efficiency and profitability.

As the Msalato International Airport project nears completion, Tanzania stands on the cusp of a transformative era for its aviation sector. The airport’s development symbolizes much more than concrete and steel; it represents Tanzania’s aspirations to compete on a global scale, attract investment, and offer its people and neighbors enhanced connectivity.

The benefits are many: economic diversification, job creation, improved trade logistics, and enhanced regional integration. For farmers, exporters, tourists, and businesses, Msalato promises a bright future with smoother skies ahead.

In conclusion, Tanzania’s journey to elevate Msalato International Airport to a premier regional aviation hub reflects a blend of ambition, pragmatism, and international collaboration. Thanks to visionary leaders like Ambassador Matinyi and dedicated experts who traveled all the way to Sweden and Lithuania to learn from the best, the project is poised to become a shining example of Africa’s emerging aviation prowess.

With the final phases underway, all eyes will be on Dodoma as it prepares to welcome planes from around the world, carrying with them the hopes, dreams, and opportunities of Tanzania and the Great Lakes region.