In a landmark visit to Dodoma on Saturday, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, lauded Tanzania's ongoing infrastructure transformation, describing it as “visionary and catalytic for regional growth.”
Dr. Adesina joined President Samia Suluhu Hassan on an inspection tour of key development projects in the capital city, starting with the AfDB-funded Msalato International Airport. The airport, spanning 4,500 hectares, is poised to become Tanzania’s second-largest and will accommodate up to 1.5 million passengers annually.
Calling the project a “flagship investment”, the AfDB chief emphasized its long-term impact on air connectivity, trade facilitation, tourism, and regional integration. “This airport is a gateway not just for Tanzania, but for the entire region. It reflects our shared commitment to building Africa’s infrastructure for tomorrow,” Adesina noted.
The AfDB President also toured the 112.3-kilometer Dodoma City Outer Ring Road, constructed by Chinese engineering firms. He described both the airport and the road as “transformational developments” set to boost domestic and international connectivity through modern and resilient infrastructure.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan expressed her gratitude to the African Development Bank, noting that the support from AfDB is pivotal in unlocking Tanzania’s economic potential. “These projects symbolize more than infrastructure; they represent our aspirations for prosperity, trade expansion, and sustainable tourism,” she said.
The visit underscored the strategic partnership between Tanzania and the AfDB as the country continues its push for inclusive development and infrastructure-led growth.