Groundbreaking Railway Contract Signed for First Mainline in Burundi

A US$2.15 billion contract has been awarded for the construction of the first mainline railway in Burundi, connecting Uvinza in Tanzania to Musongati. This project, funded by the African Development Bank, will facilitate the export of various minerals and is a significant milestone for railway development in the region.

A significant contract valued at US$2.15 billion was awarded on January 29 to construct an electrified standard gauge railway linking Uvinza in Tanzania to Musongati in Burundi. This railway marks Burundi’s first mainline railway and represents a major development for the landlocked eastern African nation. The agreement was formalized by officials from both the Tanzanian and Burundian governments, in collaboration with the China Railway Engineering Group and the China Railway Engineering Design & Consulting Group. Financial support for this initiative is being provided by the African Development Bank through a concessional loan.

The railway will facilitate the export of valuable minerals from Burundi, including nickel, platinum, palladium, copper, gold, and iron, to the Tanzanian port of Dar es Salaam, with anticipated annual transport volumes reaching up to three million tons. The project’s structure includes two main segments: the Tanzanian portion will extend approximately 120 kilometers from Uvinza to the Malagarasi River, where a 1-kilometer combined road-rail bridge will be constructed to connect with the Burundian section leading to Musongati.

The memorandum of understanding between Tanzania and Burundi to develop this railway link was established in January 2022. Additionally, in December 2022, Tanzania engaged in a separate contract worth US$2.2 billion with Chinese firms for the construction of the 411-kilometer Tabora–Uvinza–Kigoma line, which connects to the existing Dar es Salaam–Mwanza railway.

This undertaking represents a pivotal moment for the African Development Bank, as expressed by Tanzania’s Finance Minister Mwigulu Nchemba, who stated, “This is a very significant moment because it marks the first foray of AfDB in the financing of Tanzania’s railway projects.”

In conclusion, the establishment of the railway from Tanzania to Burundi stands as a landmark achievement, providing essential infrastructure for mineral exportation and enhancing trade efficiency in the region. The collaboration between the two countries and their partnership with Chinese firms underscores a collective commitment to advancing connectivity and economic growth in East Africa.

The construction of the railway from Uvinza to Musongati signifies a historic development in Burundi’s transportation infrastructure. Supported by the African Development Bank and implemented by Chinese firms, this project will enhance mineral exports while fostering economic integration between Tanzania and Burundi. The initiative not only marks a crucial investment in East African infrastructure but also represents a step towards regional economic advancement.

Original Source: www.railwaygazette.com