A $2.15 billion contract was signed to construct an electrified railway from Uvinza, Tanzania, to Musongati, Burundi—the first main line railway for Burundi. Funded by the African Development Bank and built by Chinese companies, this project aims to facilitate mineral exports and strengthen trade for the landlocked country. The railway will be built in two sections, enhancing regional transport links.
A contract valued at $2.15 billion was signed on January 29, marking the beginning of construction for the first electrified standard gauge railway to Burundi, stretching from Uvinza in Tanzania to Musongati in Burundi. This groundbreaking project will establish Burundi’s first main line railway and is a critical development for the landlocked nation.
The contract was formalized by representatives from the Tanzanian and Burundian governments alongside the China Railway Engineering Group and China Railway Engineering Design & Consulting Group. The financial backing for this initiative will come from the African Development Bank, which is providing a concessional loan to facilitate the project.
Tanzanian Finance Minister Mwigulu Nchemba emphasized the importance of this initiative: “This is a very significant moment because it marks the first foray of AfDB in the financing of Tanzania’s railway projects.” This railway will enable Burundi to export vital minerals such as nickel, platinum, palladium, copper, gold, and iron. The anticipated export capacity is up to 3 million tonnes per year.
The railway construction will occur in two phases. The Tanzanian section will diverge north from the upcoming Tabora-Kigoma line at Uvinza, extending approximately 120 kilometers to the border at the Malagarasi River. A combined road-rail bridge, measuring one kilometer in length, will be constructed at the border. The track will continue in Burundi towards Musongati.
A memorandum of understanding between Tanzania and Burundi was signed in January 2022, laying the foundation for this infrastructure project. Furthermore, in December 2022, Tanzania secured a $2.2 billion agreement with Chinese companies to construct the 411-kilometer Tabora-Uvinza-Kigoma line, which diverges westward from the established standard gauge Dar es Salaam-Mwanza railway.
In conclusion, the newly signed contract represents a significant step toward enhancing transport infrastructure in east Africa, specifically for Burundi. By establishing the region’s first main line railway, the project is anticipated to boost economic growth through improved mineral exports. The collaboration between Tanzania and Burundi, along with Chinese engineering support and African Development Bank financing, marks a pivotal moment in regional connectivity and trade.
Original Source: www.railwaygazette.com
