Tanzania, July 20 -- Kigoma. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has said Tanzania's ambition to become a major trade hub in Africa depends on maintaining peace and stability, warning that development cannot thrive without a secure environment.

She said strategic investments in infrastructure, including the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) linking Tabora and Kigoma, the acquisition of four new cargo vessels on Lake Tanganyika, the upgrading of Kigoma Port and other projects, are aimed at helping Tanzania maximise its geographical advantage and strengthen its position in regional trade.

Speaking on Monday during the foundation stone laying ceremony for the Tabora-Kigoma SGR project and the launch of the cargo vessels, President...