The government of Tanzania is taking steps to alleviate traffic congestion in the northern regions, particularly in Arusha and Kilimanjaro, by upgrading the railway network and establishing modern Inland Container Depots (ICDs). This initiative aims to address the growing issue of heavy cargo trucks that traverse these regions from the Port of Tanga to neighboring countries, contributing significantly to road congestion.
The Transport Minister, Professor Makame Mbarawa, revealed these plans during a press briefing at Arusha Airport, where he also discussed the upcoming 73rd Africa Airports Council International (ACI) Conference. This conference, scheduled for April 24-30, 2025, in Arusha, is expected to attract over 300 participants from 54 African and international countries. The government’s move to upgrade the railway system and develop ICDs is part of a broader strategy to modernize the transport sector and improve the efficiency of cargo movement across the East African Community (EAC) member states.
By upgrading the railway network, the government intends to provide an alternative means of transporting goods, reducing the number of cargo trucks on the roads. The establishment of ICDs will serve as storage facilities for cargo transported by rail, facilitating the smooth distribution of goods across the region. This development is expected to reduce traffic congestion, particularly in urban areas, and improve the flow of goods to and from the Port of Tanga, which is becoming increasingly important in the region’s trade dynamics.
In addition to these infrastructure improvements, Professor Mbarawa highlighted the government’s ongoing investment in the Port of Tanga. A 420 billion Tanzanian shilling investment is aimed at upgrading the port, making it more efficient in handling cargo. This upgrade has already positioned the Port of Tanga as a more effective cargo hub compared to the Port of Mtwara, further supporting regional trade and economic growth.
The upcoming ACI conference will focus on sustainability in the aviation sector, under the theme “Towards a Greener Future: Sustainable Air Transport and Tourism for Economic Prosperity.” The conference will address the growing pressure on the aviation industry to reduce carbon emissions, with ACI Africa working to implement green technologies that will support sustainable economic growth. This aligns with Tanzania’s broader commitment to improving its transport sector, ensuring that it meets international standards for safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility.
Professor Mbarawa also took the opportunity to commend the Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA) for the recognition of Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA), which received the 2024 Best Safety Award from ACI Africa for airports handling over 50,000 annual flights. This recognition underscores Tanzania’s growing reputation in aviation safety and operational excellence, which is expected to bring significant economic and strategic benefits to the country.
The seven-day ACI conference will also offer delegates the chance to explore Tanzania’s tourism offerings, including a visit to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This will help further promote Tanzania as a leading tourism destination in Africa. To enhance Arusha’s capacity to attract more economic opportunities, the government has allocated 11 billion Tanzanian shillings to install runway lights at Arusha Airport, enabling 24-hour flight operations. This project is expected to be completed within nine months and will help reduce pressure on Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA).
The conference is seen as a significant economic opportunity for Arusha and the wider northern region, offering a platform to showcase Tanzania’s potential in both aviation and tourism. It is expected to create numerous opportunities for local businesses and residents, further boosting the region’s economic growth and global visibility.
