Boost for southern economy

RUVUMA: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has underscored the significance of economic diplomacy in Tanzania’s development endeavours.

Dr Samia made the statement while inaugurating the Mbinga–Mbamba Bay road and laying the foundation stone for the construction of Mbamba Bay Port.

The projects are set to boost regional trade and strengthen Tanzania’s links with neighbouring countries like Malawi and Mozambique, fostering cross-border cooperation and economic growth.

Addressing residents of Nyasa District yesterday, President Samia said that infrastructure plays a critical role in enhancing trade and fostering regional cooperation.

“When we talk about economic diplomacy or free trade within Africa, this is what it means—one country initiates, but you engage with neighboring countries, and they also develop infrastructure to complement the ones in your country, allowing trade to flourish,” she said.

She added that the Mbinga – Mbamba Bay new and upgraded infrastructure is key to facilitating economic ties across the continent.

President Samia is on the third day of her six-day working visit to the Ruvuma Region, where she will inspect various development projects.

The newly commissioned 66-kilometre road between Mbinga and Mbamba Bay is part of the Mtwara Corridor, a strategic route that connects Tanzania with Malawi and Mozambique.

According to the President, this road will significantly reduce travel time and transportation costs, promoting the movement of goods and people across the region.

“The completion of this road will simplify transportation, improving lives in this area and beyond. We all remember how things were before its construction,” said President Samia.

President also noted that the construction of Mbamba Bay Port at a cost of 80.85bn/- is expected to increase trade between Tanzania and Malawi.

“This port will help ease the transportation of goods across Lake Malawi, and we expect greater trade opportunities and new economic prospects for the residents of this region,” she added.

On economic diplomacy, President Samia stressed that the Mbamba Bay Port is just one of several projects aimed at strengthening trade connections between Tanzania and its neighboring countries.

She noted that another significant initiative is the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project, which will extend from Dar es Salaam to Kigoma, linking Tanzania with Burundi and eventually reaching the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

“This project not only supports our economic diplomacy goals but also aligns with the implementation of the Africa Free Trade Protocol,” she said.

She emphasized that the southern railway project, which will be constructed from Mtwara to Mbamba Bay, extending to Mchuchuma and Liganga, as an example of the government’s dedication to fostering economic diplomacy.

President Samia also stated that major road networks connecting Tanzania to Kenya, Mozambique, and Uganda are vital to these efforts, as they facilitate cross-border trade, expand business opportunities, and strengthen economic cooperation in line with the Africa Free Trade Protocol.

“These projects, among others, reflect the government’s commitment to prioritising the development of its citizens. While significant progress has been made in the Nyasa District, challenges remain, such as the need to connect the remaining villages to electricity,” said President Samia.

President Samia also urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other authorities to work with neighbouring countries to ensure the necessary infrastructure is built to receive goods from Tanzania.

“The existence of this port alone is not enough, we must have efficient transport services on the lake and solid infrastructure on the other side, particularly at Nkata Bay in Malawi,” she said.

The African Development Bank (AfDB), a key financier of the Mbinga-Mbamba Bay road, was commended for its continued support of Tanzania’s infrastructure development.

AfDB’s Country Representative, Dr Patricia Laverley said the bank considers Tanzania as privileged partner and the Mbinga – Mbamba Bay road is a key component of their support to the government.

“This road will reduce the travel time, cost of operating vehicles by 50 per cent. In 2015 when we came here to appraise the project only 126 were able to go through the road that was here last year over 4,000 vehicles travelled in this road and were very proud to be part of this project,” she said

Dr Laverley said the road being commissioned attest to the exceptional leadership qualities of President Samia and we at AfDB we are extremely proud to play a role in the transformation of this Region and the rest of Tanzania

The Minister for Works, Innocent Bashungwa confirmed that the entire 826-kilometre stretch from Mtwara to Mbamba Bay is now complete, unlocking new economic opportunities for Tanzania.

He highlighted the government’s dedication to building critical infrastructure that links Tanzania with the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

President Samia said these projects form part of Tanzania’s broader economic diplomacy strategy, which includes other ventures such as the Southern Railway linking Mtwara to Liganga and Mchuchuma, as well as major road connections to Kenya, Uganda, and Mozambique, aimed at fostering regional integration and enhancing Tanzania’s role in Africa’s free trade zone.

The President also addressed other development concerns during her visit to Nyasa, including improving healthcare, expanding rural electricity access, and supporting the local coffee industry.

She urged local authorities to expedite the construction of a fish market in Mbamba Bay to benefit communities and promote sustainable fishing practices to spur local economic growth.

Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Infrastructure Development, Suleiman Kakoso, commended the government’s efforts to enhance infrastructure.

“We are witnessing the results of what we endorse in Parliament. Today, we see with our own eyes the remarkable progress made in connecting the country through roads, ports, and other vital projects,” he said; adding, “This road and port are a major breakthrough for the Mbinga and Nyasa districts, linking us to neighbouring Malawi.”

Mr Kakoso also lauded President Samia’s leadership, highlighting her success in overseeing the construction of over 3,000 kilometres of roads during her short time in office.