In a historic step toward regional integration, Burundi and Tanzania have officially launched the construction of a cross-border standard gauge railway line. The project, which will stretch 282 kilometers from Uvinza in Tanzania to Musongati in Burundi, is valued at $2.154 billion and represents one of the most ambitious infrastructure undertakings in East Africa.
The groundbreaking ceremony, attended by President Evariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi and Tanzanian Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, marked more than just the start of a railway line. It signaled a shared vision for economic growth, stronger trade ties, and improved connectivity between the two neighbors.
For landlocked Burundi, the railway promises to be transformative. Musongati, one of the project’s endpoints, is rich in nickel and other minerals. A reliable transport corridor will ease the movement of these resources to international markets, boosting export revenues and attracting investment. For Tanzania, the project strengthens its position as a gateway for regional trade, with the railway feeding into its broader Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) network and port facilities.
Beyond economics, the railway is a symbol of East Africa’s determination to build integrated infrastructure that supports the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). By reducing transport costs and cutting travel times, the line will not only enhance trade but also foster people-to-people connections between Burundi and Tanzania.
Of course, challenges remain. With a price tag of over $2 billion, funding, construction timelines, and long-term maintenance will be critical to its success. Yet, the political will demonstrated at the launch sends a clear message: both countries are committed to reshaping their future through infrastructure development.
This railway is more than steel and tracks—it’s a pathway to opportunity, prosperity, and stronger regional unity.
During his address, His Excellency Evariste Ndayishimiye expressed his deep gratitude to His Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan and partners for their commitment to the project: “Thank you for your support; this path will be a major leverage for the realization of Vision 2040-2060,” he stressed”.
After congratulating Burundians on the success of the June 2025 elections, Tanzanian Prime Minister His Excellency KASSIM MAJALIWA MAJALIWA has assured that the railway project linking two countries of the East African Community for the first time will be completed on time discounts.
