In a decisive move to unlock the economic potential of the African interior, transport ministers from Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) recently met to fast-track the implementation of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).

This cross-border initiative, centered on the Central Corridor, is poised to transform the logistics landscape of East and Central Africa, offering a critical solution to the high cost of moving goods to land-linked nations.

The recent high-level meeting, chaired by DRC Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Transport Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo, marks a critical step in regional integration. During the session, officials formally endorsed the progress report on the feasibility study for the SGR section connecting Msongati in Burundi to Kindu in the DRC.

This segment is more than just a railway; it is the missing link in a broader plan to bridge the Port of Dar es Salaam with the mineral-rich heart of the continent.

Speaking on behalf of Tanzania’s Minister for Transport, Permanent Secretary Professor Godius Kahyarara emphasized that the project’s value extends far beyond infrastructure.

“It is a catalyst for shared regional development,” Professor Kahyarara stated, highlighting the railway's potential to drastically reduce transport costs and enhance the global competitiveness of the Dar es Salaam Port. He noted that the port currently serves as a vital artery for numerous landlocked countries.

“In line with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s policy, we are working to ensure all countries relying on Dar es Salaam port are connected to the SGR network,” he added.

The urgency of this connectivity is underscored by the volume of trade currently at stake. Data from Tanzania’s Ministry of Transport reveals that the DRC is the leading user of the Port of Dar es Salaam, handling over 5.9 million tonnes of cargo during the 2024/2025 financial year.

This heavy reliance on road transport creates bottlenecks that the new SGR aims to alleviate. Once completed, the electric rail line will connect Uvinza, Musongati, Gitega, Bujumbura, Uvira, and Kindu, facilitating the efficient movement of freight and passengers across the three nations.

For Burundi, the project promises to be a game-changer for the local economy. SGR Project Coordinator Engineer Aaron Niyungeko confirmed that the country is finalizing its feasibility study ahead of the construction of the Gitega–Kindu section.

“The project is expected to bring substantial benefits, particularly to farmers and traders in Burundi,” Engineer Niyungeko noted, pointing to the improved access the railway will provide to regional markets.

While the Central Corridor gathers pace, parallel developments along the Northern Corridor are reinforcing a region-wide shift toward rail logistics. Kenya and Uganda recently launched the extension of the SGR from Naivasha to Kisumu and onward to Malaba.

In a demonstration of political will, President William Ruto and President Yoweri Museveni recently flagged off the construction of the Kisumu-Malaba line, aiming to connect the Port of Mombasa to Uganda, the DRC, and South Sudan.

This dual-corridor approach creates a competitive yet complementary logistics network. The Northern Corridor extension is projected to significantly lower transport times and costs, targeting key trade partners. By shifting cargo from congested road networks to rail, these projects aim to stabilize supply chains and boost intra-African trade.

Ministers from Burundi and the DRC expressed satisfaction with the progress made and reaffirmed their commitment to collaborate for timely project implementation. They agreed to fast-track remaining studies and enhance coordination through a regional transport oversight body.

Ultimately, the simultaneous development of the Northern and Central Corridors signals a new era for logistics in East Africa. The SGR is evolving from a national asset into a regional backbone, designed to knit together fragmented markets.