Japan invests $24.2m in new Tanzania-Rwanda bridge

31 August 2011

Japan has announced that it will invest $24.2 million (£14.82 million) in improving transport infrastructure between Tanzania and Rwanda.

Reuters has reported that the money will be given to build a bridge linking the two African nations in an attempt to encourage trade between them.

The Rusumo bridge is expected to take two years to construct, according to Mustafa Mkulo, Tanzania's finance minister.

He told the news source that it will "enhance regional integration and facilitate increased trade" between the two countries.

Hiroshi Nakagawa, Japan's ambassador to Tanzania, added: "This project will contribute to an efficient logistics network between Tanzania and Rwanda and will most certainly have a positive effect on the economic development of both nations."

Japan will also boost transport infrastructure in Tanzania by providing an additional $481,426 to ease traffic congestion in its capital city Dar es Salaam, the news provider revealed.

This comes after Mr Mkulo recently told Bloomberg that $525 million is required to develop the nation's road and rail networks.  

Category: Transport