Tanzania‘s ambitious Standard Gauge Railway project has garnered attention from analysts who tout it as a revolutionary development for the continent of Africa. This expansive railway spans stunning terrains and connects several East African nations, including Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zambia.
The newly electrified train line significantly reduces the travel duration between the bustling port city of Dar es Salaam and Morogoro to a mere two hours. In stark contrast, the previous meter gauge railway took approximately five hours, while road travel could take around four hours depending on traffic conditions.
“It’s the longest line from the eastern part of the country, Dar es Salaam. It connects right up to the base of Lake Victoria, linking the largest city and the economic powerhouse of Tanzania to the country’s second-largest city,” explained economic expert William Kallaghe during an interview with DW.
This cutting-edge railway represents the largest infrastructure initiative that Tanzania has ever embarked on, constructed by the renowned Turkish firm Yapi Merkezi, at a staggering cost of $3.1 billion (€2.9 billion).
Notably, initially, the project was met with considerable skepticism among various stakeholders in Tanzania. “When the decision was made, there were a lot of skeptics within government and also outside of government that first of all it was too expensive,” Kallaghe remarked, reflecting on the early doubts expressed about the endeavor.
“If we don’t use it, billionaires would emerge from other countries and would use this railway. We have to benefit first,” emphasized Masanja Kadogosa, director general of Tanzania Railways Corporation, while addressing reporters about the project’s importance for the nation.
A mega project with economic potential
Tanzanian officials have projected that the new railway will stimulate job creation, improve port efficiency, and enhance both national and international trade flows. The ongoing development is seen as a crucial step in advancing Tanzania’s economic landscape.
“For Africa, we are the only country building the longest railway at an affordable cost. This gives us an economic advantage,” highlighted Deputy Transport Minister David Kihenzile, underlining the strategic benefits of this project for Tanzania and the surrounding region.
Nevertheless, a pressing challenge remains: ensuring that this monumental project reaches completion and is managed with precision to adequately support Tanzania’s economic landscape and that of neighboring nations.
“One of the things Tanzania needs to do is to develop its technical expertise to maintain the railway project that it is constructing,” asserted engineer Jackson Sekasi. He stressed the necessity of training engineers to proficiently manage and oversee the railway operations.
Revolutionizing Tanzania’s railway
According to economist Kallaghe, engaging the private sector in the operation of the new railway could be key to enhancing its success and sustainability.
“The government, through the Tanzania Railways Corporation, has made an announcement that it is keen at the end of the day to invite private operators to run the rail. That is a very big, bold step that they have taken,” he articulated, reflecting on the significance of this shift toward privatization.
Making Africa’s mega transport projects work
Throughout the continent, many countries have initiated major infrastructure projects, predominantly funded and constructed by foreign entities. However, these ventures have often faced profitability issues, hindering their overall impact on local economies.
The TAZARA railway, built between 1968 and 1976 to connect Tanzania and Zambia with Chinese assistance, serves as a historical example of such a challenge.
African nations must move past the sensational narrative surrounding mega projects, focusing instead on managing these developments to ensure profitability and sustainability, advised Kallaghe.
“To have linkages with East African countries, you have to have properly experienced private firms to run these railways,” he pointed out, stressing the importance of expertise in project management.
Additionally, Sekasi warned that it is vital for African countries to take proactive measures to prevent mega transportation initiatives from becoming mere white elephants. “Another thing could be to have resources available to maintain the project, the infrastructure,” he added, highlighting the necessity of long-term planning.
Given that Tanzania’s Standard Gauge Railway was financed through loans, Sekasi cautioned against its potential failure. He also noted that management issues related to performance control and accountability often receive far less scrutiny in Africa compared to other regions.
Furthermore, Sekasi pointed out the risk of mega projects becoming conduits for corruption, a concern that resonates throughout the continent. “You would always find that these projects are initiated backdoor by politicians and then the transparency of these projects is not out there in the public. We need to check this corruption if we really want to improve the performance of these mega projects,” he concluded.
Senegal pioneers a new era for transport in West Africa
Edited by: Benita van Eyssen
What are the potential economic impacts of Tanzania’s Standard Gauge Railway on regional trade?
**Interview with William Kallaghe: Economic Expert on Tanzania’s Standard Gauge Railway Project**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, William. You’ve been closely analyzing Tanzania’s Standard Gauge Railway project. What do you see as its most significant contribution to the region?
**William Kallaghe:** Thank you for having me. The Standard Gauge Railway is potentially revolutionary for East Africa. By efficiently connecting multiple countries, it enhances regional trade and facilitates faster transport of goods. For instance, the journey from Dar es Salaam to Morogoro now takes just two hours, compared to five hours previously by the old meter gauge railway. This improvement in logistics is crucial for economic growth.
**Interviewer:** Initially, there was skepticism surrounding the project’s cost and feasibility. How has that perception changed?
**William Kallaghe:** Indeed, there were significant doubts about the $3.1 billion price tag. Many questioned whether such a massive investment was reasonable. However, as the project progresses and its potential becomes clear, more stakeholders are starting to see its long-term benefits. If we leverage this infrastructure correctly, the economic advantages will outweigh the initial skepticism.
**Interviewer:** What do you think is the biggest challenge Tanzania faces moving forward with this project?
**William Kallaghe:** One of the main challenges will be ensuring that we have the technical expertise to maintain and operate the railway effectively. It’s important that Tanzania invests in training engineers who can oversee operations, so we don’t face operational difficulties down the line.
**Interviewer:** How critical is private sector involvement in the success of this railway?
**William Kallaghe:** Engaging the private sector could indeed be key. The government’s move to invite private operators to run parts of the rail network is a significant step. This shift towards privatization can enhance efficiency and service quality, leading to a more sustainable operation for the railway in the long run.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, how does this project position Tanzania in the larger context of African infrastructure development?
**William Kallaghe:** Tanzania is currently setting itself apart with this ambitious project. We are essentially constructing the longest railway at an affordable cost, which gives us a competitive edge not only within the region but across Africa. The success of this railway could inspire similar initiatives in other countries, leading to improved connectivity across the continent.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, William, for sharing your insights on this transformative project.
**William Kallaghe:** Thank you for having me. I’m excited to see how this will unfold for Tanzania and East Africa.