Rwanda has taken over leadership of the Central Corridor transport ministers’ council as member countries push to strengthen regional trade links and advance major infrastructure projects, including a planned railway connecting Rwanda to Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam port.
Infrastructure Minister Eng. Damien Murwanashyaka assumed the chairmanship of the Council of Ministers of the Central Corridor Transit Transport Facilitation Agency (CCTTFA), replacing Malawi’s Minister of Transport and Public Works, Jappie Mhango, whose country completed its one-year term.
The handover took place during the 15th meeting of CCTTFA ministers held in Tanzania on June 18, 2026.
The meeting reviewed progress on projects implemented during the 2025/26 financial year and approved the agency’s work plan and budget for 2026/27.
Ministers also discussed measures aimed at boosting regional trade, improving customs procedures, reducing delays at border crossings and accelerating infrastructure projects linking member states.
A major focus of the meeting was the planned Central Corridor railway project, which is expected to connect the Port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania with Kigali and the Kigali International Airport in Bugesera.
The railway is seen as a key transport investment for Rwanda, which uses the Dar es Salaam route as an important gateway for imports and exports. The project is expected to improve the movement of both passengers and cargo across the region.
Construction of major sections of the railway in Tanzania is already underway, while Rwanda has identified and marked the route where the line will pass. The electric railway is expected to operate at speeds of up to 120 kilometres per hour for passenger services and 80 kilometres per hour for freight transport.
CCTTFA brings together Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Malawi and Zambia. Malawi joined the agency in 2023, while Zambia became a member in 2024.
The agency works to improve transport efficiency along the Central Corridor by reducing trade barriers, easing customs clearance processes and supporting the development of road, railway and water transport infrastructure.
For landlocked countries such as Rwanda, the corridor provides a critical link to international markets through the Port of Dar es Salaam.
The ministry said Rwanda’s chairmanship will focus on strengthening cooperation among member states and supporting efforts to create a more efficient transport network that benefits trade and economic growth across the region.
