𝗕𝘂𝗿𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗮𝗻𝘇𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗮 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗰 Cross-border 𝗥𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 To Cut Transport Costs By 70%

East African nations, Tanzania and Burundi have unveiled a historic cross-border infrastructure project, the Uvinza–Musongati railway.

The two neighboring countries launched Uvinza–Musongati railway project on Saturday, August 16, 2025.

According to the governments of Tanzania and Burundi, the railway project is expected to cut transport costs by up to 70 percent and boost regional integration.

Burundian President, Evariste Ndayishimiye, and the Prime Minister of Tanzania, Kassim Majaliwa, inaugurated the project this weekend during a ceremony in Musongati, Burunga Province, where they laid the foundation stone and inspected the first 50 meters of track.

Africa Publicity understands that the 282-kilometer line will feature five stations in Tanzania and three in Burundi.

Speaking at the launch, President Ndayishimiye described the railway project as “a turning point in Burundi’s path to regional integration.”

On his part, Prime Minister Majaliwa assured the Burundians and Tanzanians that construction would be completed on schedule.

Tanzanian Minister of Minerals and Land, Makame Malawa—who is overseeing the project—highlighted its potential to lower the cost of goods and facilitate trade within the East African Community (EAC).

Beyond reduced transport costs, Burundians expect the railway to create jobs, attract investment, and expand the country’s role in both regional and international trade.

For Burundi, the Uvinza–Musongati railway represents more than infrastructure—it is a long-awaited economic lifeline, easing the movement of goods from the port of Dar es Salaam.

Meanwhile, some residents along the planned route will be displaced under a 2022 presidential decree to make way for the project.