Dar es Salaam. The Tanzanian government has announced plans to invest more than Sh50 billion in a new Centre of Excellence at the National Institute of Transport (NIT), aimed at providing advanced practical training for transport professionals, the Minister for Transport, Prof Makame Mbarawa, said on August 21, 2025.
Prof Mbarawa made the announcement during the official opening of the Third International Conference on Transport, Logistics, and Management at Mlimani City Conference Hall.
The two-day conference, organised by NIT and running until August 22, 2025, brings together local and international stakeholders to strengthen the transport sector nationally and globally.
“The new Centre of Excellence will offer state-of-the-art training facilities and equip professionals with practical skills necessary for the modern transport industry,” Prof Mbarawa said.
He stressed that government and institutional collaboration is essential to developing a transport system that is both efficient and sustainable.
The minister also highlighted recent milestones in the sector, including the launch of the modern electric Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), and credited the President of the United Republic of Tanzania for his leadership in these achievements.
Prof Mbarawa encouraged conference participants to explore Tanzania’s tourism attractions, such as the Serengeti and Zanzibar, to experience the country’s natural beauty while supporting the growth of the tourism sector.
NIT Director, Dr Prosper Mgaya, outlined the institute’s contributions to advancing transport education and fostering sector development.
According to Dr Mgaya, NIT’s programmes have helped integrate air, road, rail, and maritime transport subsectors, improving service delivery and boosting economic efficiency.
He thanked both local and international delegates for participating in professional discussions and knowledge-sharing.
Prof Ulingeta Mbamba, Chair of the NIT Council and keynote speaker, highlighted the role of research and innovation in improving transport systems.
The conference’s theme, Harnessing Innovative and Sustainable Transport Systems for Enhanced Mobility and Safety, underscores the importance of technological adoption and effective leadership in the sector.
Meanwhile, Prof Mbarawa issued five directives to the board and management of the Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) to improve operational efficiency, service quality, and accountability.
The directives were unveiled at Pemba Airport during the inauguration of ATCL flights connecting Dar es Salaam to Pemba via Unguja.
ATCL confirmed that its 70-seater Bombardier Q400 aircraft will operate on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, with additional flights possible as demand grows.
Prof. Mbarawa urged the airline to adhere strictly to schedules, maintain high service standards, comply with international safety regulations, and actively promote the flights to increase passenger and tourist numbers.
“The new services should contribute directly to the economic growth and well-being of island residents, in collaboration with the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar and tourism stakeholders,” he said, adding that continuous evaluation and monitoring are key to addressing operational challenges, enhancing efficiency, and ensuring profitability.
Prof Mbarawa underlined the strategic role of the transport and logistics sector as a driver of national economic growth.
He noted that government investment in aircraft acquisition, airport upgrades, and strengthening ATCL services aligns with the National Development Vision, which seeks to reinforce unity and deliver equitable economic benefits.
Highlighting the socio-economic impact of connecting Pemba via Unguja, the minister noted the island’s potential in tourism, trade, security, and culture.
He described Pemba as rich in history, natural resources, and globally valued cloves, with landscapes and heritage that attract tourists and investors.
“These flights now link Pemba directly with Unguja and major mainland cities including Kilimanjaro, Arusha, Mwanza, Mbeya, and Dodoma, as well as international hubs such as Dubai, Johannesburg, Harare, Lusaka, Mumbai, Guangzhou, and soon Lagos, Nigeria,” he said, praising ATCL for meeting international safety standards.
ATCL Chief Executive Officer, Peter Ulanga, said the launch of the Pemba route marks the fruition of long-term government efforts. “The Pemba route had been delayed by several challenges, which have now been resolved, allowing operations to begin successfully,” he said.
Tanzania currently has 15 new passenger aircraft and one cargo plane, seven of which were acquired under the Sixth Phase Government.
