CAIRO, April 28 – Standard Chartered has arranged a $2.33 billion syndicated financing facility to support the expansion of Tanzania’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), marking a significant step forward in the country’s infrastructure development.
The funding will be used to construct two key sections of the planned 1,219-kilometer railway line connecting the commercial hub and port city of Dar es Salaam to the lakeside city of Mwanza.
Construction will be carried out by Yapi Merkezi and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, reflecting a blend of international expertise in large-scale infrastructure delivery.
The financing package brings together support from export credit agencies, commercial lenders, and development finance institutions, underscoring strong global investor interest in Tanzania’s transport ambitions.
The Standard Gauge Railway is designed to transform logistics across the country by providing a faster, more reliable means of transporting both passengers and cargo. By linking the port of Dar es Salaam to inland regions and neighboring countries, the project is expected to strengthen trade corridors and reduce transportation costs.
Beyond domestic impact, the railway is part of a broader regional vision. Tanzania plans to develop at least 2,561 kilometers of modern rail infrastructure, connecting with landlocked neighbors including Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
By improving connectivity across East and Central Africa, the SGR is expected to unlock new economic opportunities, facilitate cross-border trade, and support long-term industrial growth in the region.
