KIGOMA, July 22 -- KIGOMA is set to become Tanzanias gateway to Central Africa as the Tabora-Kigoma Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and four new cargo vessels transform the region into a major trade, logistics and investment hub, analysts have said.

The 506-kilometre electrified railway, valued at 2.7 billion US dollars (about 6.23tri/-), will link Tabora and Kigoma, strengthening the regions position as a strategic commercial gateway serving the Great Lakes Region and Central Africa.

The railway, together with the newly launched cargo vessels on Lake Tanganyika, is expected to enhance the movement of goods, lower transport costs and expand market access, positioning Kigoma as a key international trade hub connecting Tanzania with eastern ...