Tanzania is currently implementing 79 large-scale road and bridge projects valued at approximately 6 trillion shillings (around $2.4 billion) as part of a nationwide push to boost economic growth through infrastructure development, according to the Tanzania Roads Agency (TANROADS).
Speaking in Dodoma, Acting Chief Executive Engineer Ephatar Mlavi revealed that the agency has undertaken road works spanning 5,769.74 kilometers. Of this total, 1,495.45 kilometers have already been upgraded to tarmac standard, while construction is ongoing on 3,677.67 kilometers.
This extensive investment marks one of the country’s most significant efforts to strengthen its transport network, with a focus on improving connectivity between urban and rural regions and supporting regional trade routes.
Eng. Mlavi also noted that the government allocates about 500 billion shillings annually for the maintenance of roads and bridges, ensuring the longevity of existing infrastructure.
In addition, feasibility studies and detailed designs have been completed for another 2,052.94 kilometers of roads and two bridges, indicating a strong pipeline of upcoming projects. Over the past five years, the country has completed eight key bridges, including the J.P. Magufuli, Tanzanite, Msingi, Wami, Kiyegeya, Kitengule, Gerezani, and Ruhuhu bridges.
As of December 2025, Tanzania’s total road network had grown to 182,164.41 kilometers. TANROADS manages 37,734.41 kilometers of national roads, while the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) is responsible for 144,430 kilometers of rural and urban roads.
The infrastructure expansion has also contributed to job creation, generating 16,730 employment opportunities between January and December 2025. However, participation by local contractors in major projects remains limited at around 10 percent, an issue the government is working to address.
To encourage greater involvement of domestic firms, TANROADS has introduced several measures. Maintenance contracts are now reserved exclusively for local contractors, while 10 percent of the development budget is set aside for training initiatives to build local capacity.
Furthermore, projects worth 53.6 billion shillings have been specifically allocated to women contractors, and 30 percent of the development budget has been earmarked for special groups, including youth, women, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
The agency has also increased the procurement threshold for local companies from 10 billion to 50 billion shillings, enabling them to compete for larger contracts and gain experience in major infrastructure works.
With rapid urbanization posing new challenges, the government is also prioritizing urban infrastructure projects such as Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems in Dar es Salaam, as well as road expansions, flyovers, ring roads, and bypasses in cities like Dodoma, Arusha, and Iringa to ease traffic congestion.
Eng. Mlavi reaffirmed that TANROADS will continue to enhance construction and maintenance efforts using modern techniques to ensure roads remain accessible year-round.
Overall, the road and bridge development program supports Tanzania’s Vision 2025 agenda, which seeks to transform the country into a middle-income, semi-industrialized economy with improved living standards and stronger regional integration.
