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Dodoma — For the majority of Tanzanians, except for those who have travelled to Western or Asian nations, hardly have an experience to narrate the comfort of travelling onboard an electric train.

The majority have always taken the conventional train travel from region to region.

For Dar es Salaam residents, they use conventional trains to commute to work as well as to conduct other activities.

For them, the familiar sound of the wheels clattering over the tracks, the occasional jolts and the dense air filled with the aroma of old upholstery were part of their daily routine.

Travelling was somewhat cumbersome and took a long time for passengers to reach their destinations.

No wonder, when the government announced the commencement of a new electric train line service from Dar es Salaam to Morogoro on June 14, this year and extending services to Dodoma on July 25th this year, it became a huge buzz and crowd puller.

The train services were officially launched yesterday by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

President Samia told thousands of Dodoma residents, who thronged Dodoma Station for the official launch of the electric train services, that the dream has finally come true.

She acknowledged the role of her predecessors- the third phase administration President late Benjamin Mkapa, who conceived the idea of coming up with the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) electric train services.

ALSO READ: Why SGR service pulls crowd

Dr Samia also saluted the role of the fourth phase President Dr Jakaya Kikwete, whose administration conducted a feasibility study of the project and the late fifth phase President Dr John Magufuli for fully embarking on the execution of the project.

Indeed, the government has made the right decision.

Just at its infant stage, the electric train has ferried close to 200,000 passengers, according to the Tanzania Railway Corporation (TRC) Director General Mr Masanja Kadogosa.

Of those served, a total of 160,000 are passengers who travelled from Dar es Salaam to Morogoro and vice-versa, pouring into the TRC coffers a sum of 2.4bn/-, while the Dar-Dom route has already collected a revenue of 744m/- from 28,000 passengers served so far.

Just yesterday, over 2,000 passengers, including a delegation of the president and other top government leaders, traversed to Dodoma from Dar es Salaam.

For the majority, it was both curious and exciting to experience the journey.

On a bright, crisp morning, I was part of the passengers and I arrived at the gleaming new station in Dar es Salaam initially baptised ‘Tanzanite,’ now Magufuli Station.

It is small but elegant both exterior and interior. As passengers stepped onto the platform, the contrast between this new technology and the traditional trains was striking.

Boarding was a breeze; the doors opened effortlessly and I was greeted by a spacious, well-lit interior.

The seats were comfortable, upholstered in soft, modern fabric. I chose a seat by the window and marvelled at how quiet everything was.

There was no clatter of wheels or hissing of steam, just a gentle hum of the electric engine working its magic. As the train pulled away, the ride was incredibly smooth.

I looked out the window and watched the cityscape transform into a blur of colours as the electric train gained momentum.

It quickly had three stopovers at mini stations in Soga, Ruvu and Ngerengere before the comfortable ride proceeded to Morogoro Region main Station now Christened Kikwete Station.

All the way, there were no sudden jolts or sways, just a steady, serene motion that felt almost like gliding through the line.

The electric train was sleek and modern, its shiny exterior reflecting the sunlight in brilliant streaks. Arriving at Dodoma Station, which was officially named after President Samia, was quite a nice experience.

The station itself was pristine, with clean lines and a contemporary design that made it feel almost futuristic. The train arrived at the station with barely a sound just a smooth, silent glide.

As the train pulled away, the ride was incredibly smooth.

I looked out the window and watched the cityscape transform into a blur of colours.

There were no sudden jolts or sways, just a steady, serene motion that felt almost like gliding through the city.

The onboard experience was impressive as well.

Digital screens provided real-time updates on the journey and the air conditioning kept the atmosphere comfortable

Source: allafrica.com

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President Samia Suluhu Hassan yesterday officially launched the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) electric train services, directing the Tanzania Railway Corporation to integrate it with other sectors to facilitate smooth transportation of goods and services.

At the inaugural event, the Head of State issued key directives to the Ministry of Transport to ensure Tanzanians benefit fully from the new train services.

“This is not just a railway; it is a lifeline that will bring our people closer, enhance trade and spur economic growth,” President Samia said.

ALSO READ: Why SGR service pulls crowd

The flagging-off event in Dar es Salaam yesterday saw President Samia boarding the electric train to Dodoma, with stops at Pugu, Ngerengere and Morogoro to greet citizens. The launch culminated in Dodoma, where she addressed the public.

President Samia urged the TRC board and management to ensure the timely completion of the ongoing railway construction sections, adhering to agreed standards and quality.

She directed the ministry to complete the construction and repair of cargo ships on various lakes before the project ends, facilitating commercial links with sea and lake ports, particularly Victoria and Tanganyika.

The integration of the railway with air transport is crucial. The railway should connect to Terminal III of Julius Nyerere International Airport, allowing goods to move directly onto the railway for easy onward transportation.

“The use of modern ICT systems, including railway security systems, ticketing and passenger tracking, should be prioritised to avoid reverting to manual systems,” she insisted.

The government expects the TRC to commence issuing dividends without requesting subsidies. Separate accounts and accountability systems for SGR and Meter Gauge Railway (MGR) should be maintained to ensure transparency, President Samia directed.

“The TRC must establish a new work culture, implement robust maintenance and safety systems and provide ongoing training for staff in infrastructure management, operations and marketing,” she urged.

President Samia emphasised that the success of the railway depends on the combined efforts of the central government, regions, districts and private sector stakeholders. “We must unite to ensure the railway benefits everyone.”

Support from stakeholders, she said including the African Development Bank (AfDB), has been secured for the remaining sections.

The President acknowledged her predecessors’ contributions to the SGR project, stating that it is now a reality, not just a dream.

President Samia further said in the first phase of the project, sections from Makutupora to Tabora (368 km), Tabora to Isaka (165 km) and Isaka to Mwanza (341 km) are being completed. The second phase involves the ongoing construction of sections from Tabora to Kigoma (506 km) and Uvinza to Musogati (365 km), connecting Tanzania with Burundi and the DRC.

“The SGR project aims to reduce travel time from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma by 60 per cent, from 9 hours to an average of 3 hours and 35 minutes, facilitating commercial and social activities between these major cities,” she said.

She added, “The SGR will reduce road congestion, minimise accidents, improve transportation efficiency and reduce environmental degradation. It will stimulate economic opportunities and boost regional trade within Tanzania and with neighbouring landlinked countries.”

According to her, the whole project, costing 23.3tril/-, requires protection and maintenance by citizens, especially those living along the route, to generate income. There are high expectations for revenue generation and economic growth.

President Samia further directed the Treasury Registrar to establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) with the TRC Board and management.

She said the railway must integrate with other sectors and cargo handling areas are being strengthened.

“Investment in SGR does not mean abandoning MGR, as the Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) is being revived. The project also includes developing the Dar es Salaam port and dry ports ta Kwala, Ihumwa and Isaka, with plans to connect the railway to several areas,” she said.

President Samia also outlined plans to connect Tanzania’s SGR infrastructure with neighbouring Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

She highlighted the continent’s infrastructure challenges, noting that poor connectivity is impeding intra-Africa trade.

Dr Samia further said that her administration is prioritising the extension of the SGR network to bridge the gap between East and West Africa via Burundi and the DRC, noting the strategic importance of linking Tanzania’s ports to landlinked neighbouring countries, facilitating the movement of cargo and fuel.

Th Secretary-General of the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), Ambassador Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi, in his party and citizens’ greetings, said the President received the construction of this modern train, which had covered 722 kilometres and within his three years of leadership, she facilitated the construction of 1,522 kilometres, exceeding expectations.

“CCM members and Tanzanians, in general, are proud of your excellent leadership and that’s why citizens flock to see you, including the developments you are bringing, as witnessed at the Ngerengere meeting where more than 40 children were lifted and carried on their parents’ shoulders to see you,” Dr Nchimbi said.

On his part, the Morogoro Regional Commissioner, Adam Malima, said that the region has achieved great success since the SGR began its journeys from Dar es Salaam to Morogoro before extending to Dodoma.

Mr Malima said that many passengers were using the transport from Dar es Salaam to Morogoro and continuing their journeys by vehicles, as well as from other regions.

Source: allafrica.com

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Tanzania marked historic milestone in transportation sector with inauguration of Dar es Salaam-Dodoma Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) route by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, yesterday.

Much has been said about the social and economic impacts of this long-awaited route, which is poised to be a transformative milestone for Tanzania’s transportation sector.

This modern rail link is expected to revolutionise travel within Tanzania by drastically reducing travel times and stimulating economic activities across different regions.

Aligned with Tanzania’s Vision 2025 and CCM’s 2020-2025 Election Manifesto, the government aims to foster a modern, integrated, inclusive and competitive economy supported by industrial growth, economic services and enabling infrastructure.

The party’s manifesto emphasises the importance of strategic infrastructure such as the electric SGR in enabling citizens to carry out their activities efficiently and effectively.

The SGR is prominently featured in the National FiveYear Development Plan spanning from 2021/2022 to 2025/2026, highlighting that its completion will enhance both social and economic activities in the country.

Construction of the railway commenced in 2017 with two segments between Dar es Salaam and Makutupora in the Singida region.

The first segment covers a total of 300 km between Dar es Salaam and Morogoro, while the second segment spans 422 km between Morogoro and Makutupora, as outlined in the National FiveYear Development Plan.

Former President Jakaya Kikwete recently praised the initiative, commending President Samia for her dedication to completing the SGR project.

Dr Kikwete, who recently journeyed on the new electric train from Dar es Salaam to Morogoro, commended the comfort and efficiency of the service, highlighting its substantial reduction in travel time compared to road transportation.

“I am delighted to have experienced this new train service. It offers exceptional comfort. I intentionally opted for train travel to witness the progress we have achieved,” remarked Dr Kikwete.

The efficient Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) service is expected to catalyse regional development by improving connectivity between key economic centers.

ALSO READ: Samia launches historic Dar-Dom electric train services

The enhanced transport infrastructure is projected to attract investments, facilitate trade and provide a more dependable mode of transportation for both passengers and freight.

Moreover, the upgraded rail connectivity has the potential to boost tourism and bolster local economies along the railway corridor.

Dr Kikwete also emphasised the broader economic advantages of the SGR, citing its high capacity for transporting goods and its ability to further stimulate economic activities, particularly upon extension to Mwanza.

In separate interviews with the ‘Daily News’, economists and business analysts praised the electrified train route from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma, foreseeing a significant upsurge in business and production in major cities and nationwide.

They praised the government for its dedication to completing the project from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma, indicating that the successful completion of this phase bodes well for the timely completion of the remaining phases extending to other parts of the country.

Dr Sylvester Jotta, a business analyst and Lecturer at Saint Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT), described the achievement as a dream realized and a source of pride for all Tanzanians.

In an exclusive interview with the ‘Daily News,’ Dr Jotta emphasised that turning dreams into reality requires determination, dedication, self-discipline and effort, all of which the government has demonstrated throughout this project.

Dr Jotta highlighted the socio-economic impacts of the modern electric SGR linking Dar es Salaam and Dodoma, noting that it signifies a significant milestone for Tanzania’s infrastructure on both a national and global scale.

By connecting the commercial centre of Dar es Salaam with the administrative capital of Dodoma, the SGR is expected to catalyse increased trade between the two cities, fostering rapid growth and development.

Dr Jotta anticipates that the electric train will expedite the expansion of both cities.

Economist Dr Isaac Safari highlighted that the introduction of the electrified train will drive competition in the transportation sector, impacting bus and aircraft owners who may choose to reduce fares to attract customers and gain market share.

Dr Safari emphasised that the electrified train will play a key role in diversifying the economies of Morogoro, Dar es Salaam and Dodoma, unlocking new investment opportunities such as real estate development, hotels and restaurants catering to travellers.

Additionally, he noted that the fast and affordable modern train will significantly reduce travel time for citizens commuting to and from Dodoma, allowing them to allocate saved hours towards economic productivity.

Dr George Mutalemwa, an expert in planning and development, urged the government to enhance infrastructure in rural areas to stimulate economic activities and foster overall development.

Mr Said Kaoneka, a resident of Kigamboni, foresees that the transportation system will simplify commuting for employees working in Dodoma while their families reside in Dar es Salaam.

For Tanzania, this presents a new driver for economic growth as many expect the project will massively transform the transportation sector by facilitating quicker transportation of goods and people, thereby fostering regional connectivity and economic integration.

Source: allafrica.com

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THE Bank of Tanzania (BoT) Governor, Mr Emmanuel Tutuba, assured Tanzanians yesterday that online monetary transactions made in the country are complete.

He has also called for increased multiple users in order to build a strong base for the projected national digital economy.

Mr Tutuba made the assurance when responding to reporters who wanted him to explain the importance of the Tanzania Digital Economy Strategic Framework (2024-2034) that was launched by President Samia Suluhu Hassan during the 15th meeting of the Tanzania National Business Council (TNBC) that met here on Monday.

“To us (BoT) as regulators of monetary transactions systems in Tanzania the framework is an important action taken by Tanzania because it will hasten safe movement of money from one place to another in order to facilitate economic growth,” he said, calling for more institutions and individuals to insist on online payments only.

He said Tanzania needs such transactions now in order to build a solid base of the proposed national digital economy.

The meeting made a formal appeal to all stakeholders to use of BoT online systems in making payments.

He assured stakeholders that online money payments in Tanzania are very safe because, he said, the BoT monitors money movement in Tanzania.

The bank, he explained, has a cyber security steering committee, that monitors online money movement and solves emerging challenges and risks.

The committee is chaired by the BoT Governor.

Further, he said, the bank has a consumer protection unit that ensures no money is lost on the way.

ALSO READ: New trade policy launched to boost growth

The BoT has developed an arrangement called the Tanzania Instant Payment System (TIPS) that is linked to all banks and telephone service providers.

The governor explained that now a person can transfer money from his bank account, through TIPS, pay a customer of a different bank or customer of a telephone service company. Customers can use TIPS to pay taxes and pay for other services.

“The money sent through TIPS will reach the intended receiver safely, timely and at a cost we consider very reasonable,” he said, adding that sending money through TIPS will be cheaper than money sent from one telephone provider to another.

The meeting was chaired by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Source: allafrica.com

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A 1.3-billion US dollar (about 3.5tri/-) natural gas to urea fertiliser manufacturing plant is set for establishment in the country, a facility which is expected to bring significant reforms in both agricultural and industrial sector, while creating hundreds of thousands of jobs.

This is after the Government through the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC), Tanzania Fertiliser Regulatory Authority (TFRA) and the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the PT ESSA Industries Indonesia Tbk.

At the signing ceremony in Dar es Salaam, Minister in the President’s Office (Planning and Investment), Prof Kitila Mkumbo stated: “This project is very important. Its construction is set to take five years.”

The plant, to be established in Mtwara Region, is expected to begin operations in 2029, however, Prof Mkumbo challenged the investor to shorten the construction period.

“We need to increase productivity in agriculture and industries. Because apart from food crop, our agenda is to go to industry-driven economy, so you can’t speak of industries without speaking of agriculture because 65 per cent of raw materials used in industries come from farms, so there is no industrial revolution without agricultural revolution,” Prof Mkumbo argued.

He said the country’s agricultural master plan for the next over 10 years stresses on Tanzania to become self-sufficient in fertiliser production.

“So, this plant will help us in our industrial agenda and create more jobs,” he pointed out.

Indonesia Ambassador to Tanzania, Tri Yogo Jatmiko said both sides are committed to implementing the project on time.

ALSO READ: PURA set to announce new oil, gas exploration opportunities

“We need to implement this project following commitment from our two Presidents. I am very happy that we are all committed,” said Ambassador Jatmiko.

On his part, Mr Rahul Puri, Commissioner and Board Member of the ESSA Industries, noted that the company has a great backup from the Presidents of two countries-President Samia Suluhu Hassan and her Indonesian counterpart Joko Widodo.

“We intend to replicate this technology from Indonesia to Tanzania. Tanzania has immense natural gas. We learnt from our own example in Indonesia where there are six different plants since 1950s to make sure there is adequate urea in the country,” Mr Puri assured.

He said Tanzania has potential to produce urea for its own use and export to neighbouring countries, noting that 60 per cent will be used domestically while the remaining 40 per cent will be for export.

Tanzania normally brings fertilisers from outside and using its domestic route and transportation to transport it to land-linked countries.

Therefore, Tanzania will become the channel of the domestic fertiliser into these countries.

‘If we export to these neighbouring countries, we will also be able to bring in foreign currencies to the country, this is another importance of this project,” he said.

On his part, TPDC acting Director General, Mr Francis Mwakapalila explained that the initial requirement of natural gas to the envisaged factory is 70 million standard cubic feet.

“The reserve that we have in Tanzania is 54.57 trillion cubic standard feet. But, since we started using natural gas in Tanzania, we haven’t even consumed a single trillion cubic feet, so 70 million is just a small amount that we can manage to supply to the project.

“We are confidence that this MoU will take our partnership to a significant step and we are thinking that in the near future the government will take a next step of signing another agreement for supplying gas,” Mr Mwakapalila affirmed.

The Executive Director of the TFRA, Mr Joel Laurent, was of the view that the event was testimony that the Sixth Phase Government is committed to attracting investment in all sectors including agriculture and building up the economic diplomacy.

Mr Laurent informed that Tanzania is net importer of fertiliser, 87 per cent of fertiliser consumed in the country is imported.

“Given the strategic position of Tanzania and the available opportunities, including availability of raw materials and potential market, the country is positioned to be the hub of fertiliser supply in the region.,” he expressed optimism.

He said despite the increase of fertiliser in the country, their production was depending on imported raw materials, so the Urea manufacturing facility is timely in the fertilise sub sector.

“Availability of natural gas as raw materials in production of Urea is essential for agricultural production, enabling farmer to increase production,” he stated.

Commenting, TIC Executive Director Gilead Teri said the investment is expected to create over 400,000 jobs, thanking the President and Minister Prof Mkumbo for their endless efforts to attract investors in the country.

Source: allafrica.com

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