Rwandan Minister announces $1.3bn requirement to finance SGR linking Tanzania

Rwanda is currently seeking for a massive investment of around USD 1.3 billion to fund the construction of the proposed Isaka-Kigali standard gauge railway (SGR).

The proposed SGR will be linking Tanzania to Rwanda, according to a senior Rwandan official. The figure is higher than USD 1.2 billion announced during the launch of the 400 kilometres railway line on January 20, 2018, in Dar es Salaam, the commercial capital of Tanzania.

"The study for Isaka-Kigali SGR is completed," the Minister of State in charge of Transport, Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye opined while speaking at a local radio station talk show.

"Rwanda is looking for a staggering around USD 1.3 billion to finance its portion with the aim of reducing logistics costs, boosting trade and easing the movement of people between Tanzania and Rwanda," the Rwandan Minister said, as reported by Xinhua.

Investing in transport projects is among the Rwandan government's top priorities as a way to attract investment in productive sectors, improve the business environment and increase jobs opportunities, he said.

Initial studies had shown that the project that will connect landlocked Rwanda to Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam port is estimated to cost USD 2.5 billion.

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