Africa-Press – Tanzania. TANZANIA has underscored the importance of integrating regional development, urban planning and infrastructure as critical drivers of economic growth and regional integration across Africa.
Speaking during a technical session held alongside the 2nd Africa Urban Forum in Nairobi, Kenya, Minister for Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development, Dr Leonard Akwilapo, said development corridors play a pivotal role in facilitating trade, improving transportation and linking landlocked countries to global markets.
“Tanzania has been at the forefront of developing regional corridors since the 1970s.
These efforts have significantly contributed to the growth of both the national economy and the wider East and Central African region,” he said.
Dr Akwilapo noted that the Central Corridor remains a key transport backbone, connecting the Port of Dar es Salaam to Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo through an integrated network of railways, roads and inland waterways.
He further highlighted that rapid urbanisation has led to increased demand for infrastructure and essential services, with transport needs rising fourfold over the past two decades.
“In response, the government has scaled up investment in infrastructure and urban planning to meet these growing demands,” he explained.
The minister added that strategic assets such as the Port of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) and the TAZARA railway continue to drive regional trade, while maritime transport across the Great Lakes has strengthened economic ties among neighbouring countries.
Dr Akwilapo also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing the National Development Vision 2050, which focuses on improving infrastructure and housing while promoting private sector participation through public-private partnerships.
In his concluding remarks, he called on African countries to strengthen regional cooperation, enhance urban planning and invest in infrastructure.
