Tanzania’s Electric Railway – Dar es Salaam to Dodoma
Urgency/Challenges
Tanzania has faced an urgent need for more sustainable infrastructure, especially between its commercial hub, Dar es Salaam, and capital, Dodoma. A faster, sustainable alternative was essential to support national development and regional integration. The project is part of the Tanzania government ambitions to build in total 1219 km railway to connect Dar es Salaam and Mwanza.
Contributions
The railway and the electric trains is estimated to halve travel time compared to road and reduce operational costs by two-thirds compared to diesel. The railway enhances mobility, lowers emissions, and supports economic activity across sectors.
Success Factors
Team Sweden collaboration was key to ensuring the success of the project. Contributions included: support with financing and export credit guarantees from SEK and EKN, capacity building by NIR through grants from Sida and support in project development by Swedfund. Sida is now exploring related development projects beyond the grants to NIR. Business Sweden supported with program management and coordination of Team Sweden during the project.
Team Sweden
Involved stakeholders include EKN, SEK, Swedfund, NIR, Sida, Business Sweden, and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, demonstrating a unified Swedish approach to sustainable infrastructure.
