Tanzania urges greater investment in resilient infrastructure at Africa50 Forum

Africa

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania (NPA) — Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has called for increased investment in resilient infrastructure across Africa, saying stronger transport and logistics networks are critical to boosting trade, attracting investment and driving sustainable economic growth across the continent.

The President made the call while declaring open the Africa50 General Shareholders Meeting and Africa Infrastructure Forum, held in Dar es Salaam to commemorate the organisation’s 10th anniversary.

Speaking at the event, President Hassan described the forum as an important platform that has continued to connect capital, infrastructure projects and technical expertise to accelerate infrastructure development across Africa.

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She noted that over the past decade, Africa50 has played a significant role in mobilising investment and fostering partnerships aimed at addressing the continent’s infrastructure deficit.

Highlighting Tanzania’s development strategy, the President said her administration has worked closely with the private sector to expand and modernise critical infrastructure, including roads, railways, ports and airports.

According to her, the investments have helped lower transportation costs, facilitate trade, attract local and foreign investment, create employment opportunities and strengthen Tanzania’s position as a regional transport and logistics hub.

She stressed that infrastructure development remains central to Tanzania’s long-term economic transformation agenda and its efforts to improve regional connectivity.

President Hassan further observed that Africa is operating in an increasingly complex global environment shaped by economic uncertainty, geopolitical developments and climate-related challenges.

She said these realities underscore the need for African countries to prioritise resilient infrastructure capable of withstanding future shocks while supporting sustainable development.

The Tanzanian leader urged governments, development finance institutions and private sector investors to deepen collaboration in building infrastructure that strengthens regional integration and unlocks greater economic opportunities.

She also emphasised the importance of improving connectivity among African countries to facilitate intra-African trade, encourage investment flows and promote value addition to the continent’s natural resources.

According to President Hassan, resilient infrastructure will play a vital role in enabling Africa to respond effectively to emerging global challenges while advancing the continent’s development aspirations.