Tanzania calls on nations to accelerate industrialisation, intra-African trade, and infrastructure linking markets

EL ALAMEIN: TANZANIA has called on African countries to accelerate the integration of transport, energy and digital infrastructure to facilitate trade, strengthen value chains and build a more resilient continental economy capable of withstanding global shocks.

Speaking on behalf of President of the United Republic of Tanzania Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan at the 8th Meeting of the African Union (AU) Committee of Heads of State and Government Coordination held in El Alamein, Egypt, Vice President Deogratius John Ndejembi said recent economic challenges had demonstrated the need for Africa to accelerate industrialisation, increase intra-African trade and strengthen infrastructure linking markets across the continent.

Ndejembi cited Tanzania’s investments in the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA), the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), ports, air transport and projects aimed at interconnecting electricity systems across Eastern and Southern Africa as part of the country’s efforts to facilitate trade, strengthen energy security and advance implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

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Tanzania has also announced its intention to propose the African Union’s 2028 theme as “Bridging Borders: Accelerating African Economic Integration through Infrastructure Connectivity.”

Ndejembi stressed that Africa already has the policies, frameworks and institutions required to achieve greater integration, arguing that the priority should now be on accelerating implementation, strengthening coordination and mobilising resources to ensure continental initiatives deliver tangible results for citizens.

The meeting was officially opened by the Chairperson of the African Union and President of Burundi, Évariste Ndayishimiye, with discussions focusing on accelerating African integration and implementation of Agenda 2063 through the integration of markets, infrastructure and production systems for the benefit of citizens.

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