This railway line will extend over 282 kilometers and include eight stations, three in Burundi and five in Tanzania.
On August 16, 2025, the President of the Republic of Burundi, His Excellency Évariste Ndayishimiye, and the Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, His Excellency Kassim Majaliwa Majaliwa, jointly inaugurated the construction works of the Uvinza–Musongati railway.
In his remarks, the Tanzanian Minister of Transport specified that this railway line will cover 282 kilometers and will include eight stations—three in Burundi and five in Tanzania. The construction period is estimated at six years. Ultimately, this flagship project will significantly reduce the cost of transporting goods and people between the two countries, while strengthening economic integration and trade.
Taking the floor, the Burundian Head of State, His Excellency Évariste Ndayishimiye, expressed his deep gratitude to his counterpart, Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, as well as to development partners for their strong commitment to the realization of this historic project. “Thank you for your support in the construction of this railway, which will serve as a major lever for the achievement of Vision 2040–2060,” he stated.
For his part, the Tanzanian Prime Minister, His Excellency Kassim Majaliwa Majaliwa, warmly congratulated the people of Burundi on the successful June 2025 elections. He further assured that this railway project, the first of its kind to directly connect two member states of the East African Community, will be carried out and completed within the agreed timeframe.
These historic ceremonies, held on Rubara Hill in Musongati commune, Burunga province, were also graced by the presence of senior dignitaries from both countries and a large crowd from Tanzania and Burunga province—highlighting the vital importance of this project in strengthening the bonds of friendship, cooperation, and solidarity between Burundi and the United Republic of Tanzania.
