This partnership is expected to unlock new opportunities in tourism, logistics, and exports, positioning Tanzania as a leader in transport innovation across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Engineer Machibya Shiwa explained that the integration will allow travelers to access airports directly via rail, reducing reliance on road transport and enhancing travel efficiency. The initiative is aligned with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s directive to prioritize infrastructure that connects major airports with nearby railway stations — a vision she reinforced during the launch of the Kwala Freight Terminal, where she called for more efficient goods movement across the country and the region.
Progress on the project is already tangible. A feasibility study for integrating the Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA)—Tanzania’s busiest gateway—has been completed, mapping a clear path for rail connectivity. Similar assessments are ongoing at Msalato Airport, while at Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), plans are underway to rehabilitate the existing meter-gauge railway (MGR) and construct a modern train station to bring tourists closer to key destinations such as Mount Kilimanjaro and the northern safari circuit.
What distinguishes this initiative is its multi-sectoral value creation. For the tourism industry, the integrated network will improve accessibility and convenience, providing a seamless alternative to road-based transfers that are often hindered by congestion. For exporters—especially in the horticulture and seafood industries—rail access to airports promises faster, more reliable delivery of perishable goods to international markets, cutting costs and improving product quality.
Engineer Machibya noted that the new system would transform not just logistics, but the broader economy. “This overhaul of passenger and freight systems will strengthen Tanzania’s competitiveness and stimulate growth across the value chain—from tourism and trade to small businesses reliant on efficient transport,” he said.
TAA’s Abdul Mombokaleo echoed this sentiment, describing the agreement as “a crucial step for national development.” He emphasized that the collaboration would “strengthen both the aviation and railway sectors while boosting national revenue and transforming the experience for passengers and cargo operators.”
One of the project’s most innovative features is the planned introduction of remote check-in and drop-off services outside airport premises. This would allow passengers and cargo handlers to complete check-in formalities and drop baggage directly at railway stations, creating a smooth, door-to-door travel experience.
For Africa—where fragmented infrastructure often limits multimodal efficiency—Tanzania’s model offers a replicable framework for modern, connected transport planning. By integrating air and rail systems, the country aims to reduce logistical bottlenecks, enhance trade flow, and strengthen tourism competitiveness in an increasingly interconnected region.
As Tanzania transitions from planning to implementation, its approach provides valuable lessons for policymakers, transport operators, and investors across the continent. The integration of transport modes is not merely a convenience—it is a strategic enabler of economic transformation, linking tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing into a more dynamic, resilient ecosystem.
In an era of rapid urbanization and rising demand for seamless mobility, Tanzania’s bold infrastructure blueprint underscores a clear message: the future of African transport lies in integration, innovation, and smart connectivity.