Burundian President Ndayishimiye Is Constructing a Railway Linking Tanzania and Burundi to Break His Nation’s Isolation From Global Markets. This Is Revolutionary.

Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye (right) and Tanzanian Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa lay the foundation stone for the construction of the joint standard gauge railway from Uvinza to Musongati.

Open Letter to His Excellency Évariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi 

Dear Mr. President,

I would like to share my thoughts on the Burundi-Tanzania $US$2.15  billion railway project. As I understand it, this project will feature a fully electrified 282km international standard gauge line, which is expected to be completed by 2030.

Dear Excellency,

It is an understatement to assert that by undertaking this project, you have profoundly transformed the lives of the Burundian people. The once-time arduous journey that spanned several weeks to transport goods and services between Bujumbura, Burundi, and the Tanzanian seaport of Dar Es Salaam will now be completed within a mere day. Consequently, the costs associated with shipping goods will be significantly reduced, effectively eliminating the substantial expenses incurred previously. The detrimental impact of poor roads, which previously hindered the movement of goods, will be rendered obsolete.

In essence, Burundi will no longer be landlocked. The commencement of the railway will facilitate the rapid opening of overseas export markets, unlocking unprecedented opportunities for the nation’s economic growth. 

As an African and Rwandan, I extend my sincere gratitude to you, Mr President, for your visionary leadership. Your purpose, priorities and commitments have brought immense joy and pride to us all.

We eagerly anticipate the completion of your railway project in 2030, which will undoubtedly transform the lives of the people of Burundi forever.

Congratulations, once again

David Himbara