By Favour Ulebor

Tanzania has unveiled a nearly $985 million budget for its Ministry of Works for the 2026/2027 financial year, with a strong focus on roads, bridges, airports, ferries and regional trade corridors aimed at accelerating economic growth and improving connectivity.

Presenting the budget to Parliament, the Minister for Works, Hon. Abdallah Hamis Ulega, said the government plans to deepen infrastructure development to support trade, reduce transport costs and strengthen Tanzania’s position as a gateway to East and Southern Africa.

The Ministry is seeking about $985.15 million for the financial year. Of the amount, approximately $947.85 million is allocated for development projects, while about $37.30 million will cover recurrent expenditure.

According to the Ministry, Tanzania’s national road network now covers 37,734.41 kilometres, with 12,225.26 kilometres constructed to bitumen standard.

The government said that between July 2025 and April 2026, it completed 243.13 kilometres of national roads to bitumen standard, rehabilitated 94.36 kilometres of roads to gravel standard and completed nine major bridges. Construction is also ongoing on 11 bridges, while plans for 13 additional bridges are being advanced.

The construction sector remains a key contributor to the economy. In 2025, it contributed 11.9 per cent to Tanzania’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP, and created 18,988 jobs for contractors, consultants, artisans, suppliers, women and young people.

A major component of the new budget is the continued construction of regional roads linking Tanzania with neighbouring countries.

These include the Tanga–Pangani–Makurunge road and Pangani Bridge connecting Tanzania and Kenya, the Manyovu–Kasulu–Kabingo road linking Tanzania and Burundi, and the Matai–Kasesya road connecting Tanzania and Zambia.

The government said the projects are expected to support regional trade, tourism, agriculture, mining and movement of goods across East and Southern Africa.

Urban transport projects also feature prominently in the budget.

In Dar es Salaam, work will continue on several Bus Rapid Transit, BRT, corridors, while flyover projects at Mwenge, Morocco, Tabata, Fire, Magomeni and KAMATA will also be advanced.

Road expansion projects are also planned in Dodoma, Arusha, Mwanza and other major cities to ease traffic congestion and improve mobility.

The government is further exploring infrastructure bonds to finance the maintenance and rehabilitation of major economic highways across the country.

Climate-resilient infrastructure is another priority.

Following damage caused by El Niño rains and Cyclone Hidaya, which affected roads and bridges in 139 districts, the government allocated about $213.95 million for restoration projects.

Authorities disclosed that 81 emergency bridge projects are being implemented across 22 regions, with overall progress reaching 97.6 per cent.

In the maritime sector, ferry projects serving several lake and coastal communities are nearing completion, while rehabilitation works are ongoing on existing vessels.

The aviation sector is also receiving attention, with construction, expansion and rehabilitation works underway at 10 airports.

The government said Msalato International Airport has reached 85.17 per cent completion for infrastructure works and 71.52 per cent completion for building works.

Looking ahead, Tanzania is developing a national Expressway Master Plan with support from the Korea International Cooperation Agency, KOICA, while plans are progressing for the 163.8-kilometre Kibaha–Chalinze–Morogoro Expressway under a public-private partnership arrangement.

The government said the investments are aimed at strengthening national connectivity, supporting trade and positioning Tanzania as a major transport and logistics hub in the region.