[PRESSWIRE] Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – 2 February 2026 — The government of Tanzania is advancing plans to develop a fully integrated transport network, aiming to strengthen its position as a regional trade hub and drive sustainable economic growth across East, Central, and Southern Africa.
The initiative, which focuses on creating a seamless —connectivity transport system,— encompasses the movement of goods and people, provision of services, and real-time information sharing.
Officials say the programme will require close collaboration between logistics providers, producers, storage facilities, distributors, and service operators to enhance efficiency, improve supply chains, and lower costs.
In recent years, Tanzania has invested heavily in strategic infrastructure, modernised regulatory frameworks, and integrated digital technologies to leverage its geographic position as a gateway for regional trade.
Projects include the development of roads, ports, and airports, as well as the modern standard gauge railway (SGR). The national airline has also been upgraded with new aircraft and expanded domestic and international routes.
—The government—s focus is on building an interconnected transport ecosystem that not only supports domestic commerce but also strengthens regional economic integration,— says President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
—These investments are essential for positioning Tanzania as a competitive logistics hub in East and Southern Africa,— she adds.
The government has also introduced border service centres to facilitate cross-border trade, alongside digital systems that improve customs management, permit issuance, cargo tracking, and operational efficiency. Together, the measures aim to streamline supply chains and support faster, more reliable trade flows.
Tanzania is committed to address challenges such as transport costs that currently account for 35—45% of total import expenses, including shipping and insurance, making the country one of the higher-cost markets globally. Infrastructure gaps, limited storage capacity, and fragmented logistics networks continue to cause delays in the movement of goods.
Authorities have outlined clear objectives for the programme, including establishing the country as a primary trade gateway, integrating East, Central, and Southern African markets, and building a modern, competitive logistics network that links economic corridors and facilitates domestic and international trade.
The plans also aim to promote global standards among service providers, leverage digital technologies for information exchange, simplify customs and regulatory processes, and create an inclusive transport network that accommodates persons with disabilities.
Economic expert and analyst Hilderbrand Shayo says that if successfully implemented, the integrated transport network could significantly lower costs for regional trade, attract foreign investment, and boost competitiveness in African and international markets.
—The ambition is to make the nation not just a transit point but a centre for efficient, technology-driven logistics across the region,— he says, adding, —It reflects a broader strategy to link infrastructure investment with economic growth and regional integration.—
-———— Tanzania is implementing a long-term strategy to develop an integrated, multimodal transport and logistics network covering roads, rail, ports, airports and digital systems.
-———— The initiative is aligned with national development priorities and regional frameworks aimed at strengthening trade corridors linking East, Central and Southern Africa.
-———— Key infrastructure projects include the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), port expansions, airport upgrades and the modernisation of the national airline.
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