On January 29, 2025, Burundi and Tanzania have officially signed an agreement to commence the construction of a railway linking the two East African nations. The strategic infrastructure project, which will run from Uvinza in Tanzania to Musongati in Burundi, is expected to boost regional trade and economic development.
The signing ceremony took place in Dar es Salaam, with Burundiโs Minister of Infrastructure, Dieudonnรฉ Dukundane, and Tanzaniaโs Minister of Transport, Makame Mbalawa, representing their respective governments. A representative from the Chinese companies CREGC and CREDC, which will be responsible for construction, also attended the event.
โThis is the most significant infrastructure project ever undertaken in Burundi. It will bring transformative economic benefits and enhance regional connectivity,โ Minister Dieudonnรฉ Dukundane stated.
According to officials, the Burundian section of the railway, from Maragarazi to Musongati, is projected to cost 3,000 billion Burundian francs. Construction is set to begin in June 2025 and will take approximately four to five years to complete.
The railway is expected to facilitate trade, improve transportation, and strengthen economic ties between Burundi and Tanzania, marking a major milestone in regional infrastructure development.