The Tanzanian government opened bidding to build the next stage of its new Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) network that will extend to the border with Burundi.
Construction companies have been invited to submit proposals to build a 367-kilometer portion of the line that extends from Gitega to Uvinza in the far west of the country.
Unlike many other African countries, including Kenya, Nigeria, Djibouti and Ethiopia, Tanzania’s new SGR will not be financed using Chinese loans. Chinese contractors are, however, already building portions of the network and will likely compete for this new section.
How Tanzania manages to finance the project more sustainably than a Chinese-financed railway in Kenya that was far more costly will be closely watched by other governments.
SUGGESTED READING:
- The East African: Tanzania invites bids for Uvinza-Gitega SGR line by Bob Karashani
- Chatham House: Lessons from Kenya’s New, Chinese-funded Railway by Rebekka Rumpel
