Tanzania: Tanzania Moves to Transport Larger Cargo By Rail in a Move to Reduce Transportation Costs

What the report says

Tanzania’s government is pushing to move a larger share of cargo arriving through its ports onto rail transport, in an effort to make freight movement faster, more efficient and less expensive. The update was reported by Tanzania Daily News via AllAfrica and is based on remarks from the Ministry of Transport.

Permanent Secretary Prof Godius Kahyarara said the plan is intended to improve service for traders and farmers while lowering costs for businesses and other users of the transport system. He made the comments after visiting exhibition stalls run by the Ministry of Transport and its agencies at the 2026 Nane Nane Agricultural Exhibition in Dodoma, where the government was highlighting its transport priorities.

According to the report, the Tanzania Ports Authority and Tanzania Railways Corporation are working to better connect port and rail operations so cargo can move more quickly from the coast to inland destinations, including neighboring states. The article also says the government is improving marine transport on the Western Corridor, especially around Kigoma, through new port facilities, fresh cargo vessels and rehabilitation work on MV Liemba, which had entered testing before returning to service.

The broader goal, the report says, is to strengthen Tanzania’s transport network and support the country’s role as a regional trade hub in East and Central Africa. In general, shifting more freight from road to rail can help reduce congestion and logistics costs, although the article does not provide timelines or volume targets for the policy.