TOUR operators and other traders in Arusha Region have urged investors, including financial institutions, to enter into a partnership with the government to invest in the Dar es Salaam-Tanga-Moshi-Arusha Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to unlock economic opportunities in the northern zone.

They made the call when speaking yesterday in Arusha at a meeting of tourism stakeholders and businesses dealing with various financial institutions. Currently, Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) is working to ensure the completion of all sections of the SGR by 2028 so that investors can take advantage of this opportunity and make a significant contribution to the country's economic growth.

Peter Msumari, TRC consultant who is involved in the search for SGR investors, stated that if banks invest, it will help expand the transportation sector and boost economic growth not only in the northern zone but the country as a whole. "I have been tasked by the government to look for investors.

This is a huge project with the potential to lift many Tanzanians out of poverty. When talking about the transport sector, it is the heart of the economy. It is a sector you cannot avoid; if you harvest produce from the farm, you need transportation to take it to the market.

In a report submitted to the World Bank, we have also mentioned other potential investors for SGR. “I have advised banks here that if they can invest in the SGR, they should get involved quickly because it has international appeal.

The government cannot do it alone as the railway extending from the Coast Region to Tanga, Moshi and Arusha as well as further to Kigoma, Mwanza and Musoma is a multi-trillion shillings project,” he said.

Edwin Mushumbusi, a tour operator, said they have advised banks to explore ways to economically uplift small tourism operators by providing them with vehicles to transport tourists to avoid the high cost of renting such vehicles.

"As tourism stakeholders, we have advised how banks’ involvement can help us to grow our businesses,” he said. "The vehicles will help us transport our guests to various tourism attractions such as national parks."