What You Need to Know
The Tanzania Roads Agency (TANROADS) is undertaking 79 significant road and bridge projects across the country, valued at 6 trillion. With over 5,769 km of roads in progress, the initiative aims to enhance infrastructure and create jobs. Local contractors are encouraged through reserved projects and training allocations, addressing economic growth and climate challenges.
Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE Tanzania Roads Agency (TANROADS) is implementing 79 major road and bridge projects nationwide worth 6tri/-, as the country steps up infrastructure investment to unlock economic potential.
Acting Chief Executive, Engineer Ephatar Mlavi, said yesterday that the agency has undertaken road projects covering 5,769.74 kilometres. Of these, 1,495.45 km have been completed to tarmac standard, while 3,677.67 km are under construction.
He added that, alongside development projects, the government allocates about 500bn/- annually for road and bridge maintenance.
Eng Mlavi said feasibility studies and detailed designs have been completed for an additional 2,052.94 km of roads and two bridges.
Over the past five years, eight major bridges have been constructed, including JP Magufuli, Tanzanite, Msingi, Wami, Kiyegeya, Kitengule, Gerezani and Ruhuhu.
According to the agency’s report, Tanzania’s road network had expanded to 182,164.41 km by December 2025. Of this, 37,734.41 km are national roads managed by TANROADS, while 144,430 km fall under the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA).
Eng Mlavi said the projects have boosted local participation and employment, with 16,730 jobs created between January and December 2025.
However, local contractors account for only about 10 percent of major projects. To address this, TANROADS has introduced measures including reserving all maintenance works for local contractors and allocating 10 percent of the development budget to training projects.
He added that projects worth 53.6bn/- have been earmarked for women contractors, while 30 percent of the development budget is reserved for special groups, including youth, women, the elderly and persons with disabilities.
The agency has also raised the procurement threshold for local firms from 10bn/- to 50bn/-. Despite the progress, Eng Mlavi cited climate change as a major challenge affecting infrastructure.
“Extreme weather damages infrastructure. The government is implementing resilient designs and emergency projects,” he said.
He also pointed to rapid urbanisation, which has driven projects such as Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems in Dar es Salaam, as well as road expansions, flyovers, ring roads and bypasses in cities including Dodoma, Arusha and Iringa.
“The government, through TANROADS, will continue strengthening construction and maintenance programmes using modern approaches to ensure roads remain accessible throughout the year,” he said.
Tanzania has been focusing on infrastructure development to stimulate economic growth and improve connectivity. The government has invested significantly in road and bridge projects, recognizing their importance for trade and mobility. Over the years, TANROADS has expanded the national road network, enhancing access to rural and urban areas, which is crucial for development and poverty alleviation. The ongoing projects reflect a commitment to modernizing infrastructure while addressing challenges such as climate change and urbanization.
