Rwanda and Tanzania Strengthen Ties Through the Kigali-Isaka Railway Project

Officially announced in 2018, the 532-kilometer railway will connect Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, to Isaka in northern Tanzania, where it will link with Tanzania’s existing SGR line from Dar es Salaam. Construction is expected to begin in 2025, following the completion of feasibility and design studies. Once complete, the line will create a modern, high-speed transport corridor linking Rwanda directly to the Indian Ocean through Tanzania’s port of Dar es Salaam.

The project is being developed jointly by the Governments of Rwanda and Tanzania, reflecting their shared vision for regional trade and integration. For Rwanda, a landlocked country, this railway offers a transformative route for importing goods and exporting products such as coffee, tea and minerals.

For Tanzania, it strengthens its position as a regional logistics hub, enhancing the importance of Dar es Salaam Port as a key gateway for East and Central Africa. The SGR will also reduce transport costs, shorten delivery times, and improve efficiency compared to current road transport systems.

Beyond trade, the Kigali-saka SGR is expected to foster social and economic collaboration between the two nations. Thousands of Rwandans and Tanzanians will benefit from job opportunities during the construction phase and from long-term business growth in logistics, manufacturing, and tourism once the railway becomes operational. The project also demonstrates how cooperation within the East African Community (EAC) can drive sustainable infrastructure development that benefits the entire region.

As East Africa continues to expand its transport network, the Kigali-Isaka Standard Gauge Railway stands out as a model of cross-border partnership and progress. It will not only connect two nations but also pave the way for a more integrated and prosperous East Africa, linking Rwanda and Tanzania through modern rail technology and a shared commitment to development.