The Tanzanian government is preparing to position the soon-to-be-completed Msalato International Airport in Dodoma as a hub for cargo and passenger air transport within the Great Lakes region. The plan, outlined by Tanzania's Ambassador to Sweden, Mobhare Matinyi, aims to strengthen economic growth and improve regional connectivity.
Speaking at an event at Stockholm's Arlanda International Airport, Ambassador Matinyi told aviation executives from Avia Solutions Group that Msalato will serve as a gateway for investment and trade between Tanzania, the Great Lakes region, and international markets. Located in Dodoma, the country's growing capital, the airport project is 94% complete, with building works at 62%. Once operational, it will handle both domestic and international flights, increasing Tanzania's aviation capacity and supporting trade and logistics.
According to Matinyi, Msalato will play an important role in improving export logistics, particularly for perishable products. Tanzania and neighboring countries export fruits, vegetables, and flowers that require reliable cold-chain transport to reach global markets. The new airport is expected to provide the necessary logistics infrastructure to ensure these products maintain quality and reach premium destinations in Europe and Asia.
A Tanzanian delegation attended the Stockholm event to learn from European aviation specialists. The group included Engineer Shomari Shomari, Director of Transport Infrastructure at the Ministry of Transport; Clemence Jingu, Director of Msalato International Airport; and Shani Mayosa, Legal Counsel at the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA). They studied airport operations and technology under Avia Solutions Group, which manages 15 airports across Europe and operates 221 leased aircraft.
Msalato's location in Dodoma reflects the government's goal of decentralizing aviation infrastructure away from Dar es Salaam and promoting balanced regional development. For surrounding countries such as Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the airport will offer an alternative route for goods and passengers, potentially reducing transit times and costs.
Ambassador Matinyi emphasized Tanzania's interest in cooperation with European partners to strengthen technical expertise, operational efficiency, and environmental standards in aviation. Topics discussed during the visit included investment models, technology transfer, and sustainable airport management.
As Msalato International Airport approaches completion, it represents Tanzania's effort to improve regional trade, tourism, and logistics capacity. The facility is expected to support agricultural exporters and businesses across the Great Lakes region once operational.
Source: Daily News
