Transportation, economic development and cooperation between Tanzania and other countries

Land transportation has improved the relations between Tanzania and her neighbouring countries. This is evidenced by

1. improved economic and social relations, specifically in trade and industry. Economic relations in the trade sector have mainly focused on transportation of imported and exported food and cash crops.
2. Similarly, land transport attracts growth and development of industries. This is because it facilitates reliable transportation of raw materials and manufactured goods.
3. Transportation has also led to the growth of towns in centers along the transportation routes. Food vending and services offered by some centers along the route provide citizens with income for their livelihood. Citizens in such areas have their incomes and settlements improved, thus, development of their areas.
4. Transportation has enabled the Tanzanian communities to interact, socialize and build relations with people from other countries who come to the country.

Land transport also includes pipelines that transport water, oil and gas. This type of transportation stimulates economic growth because it is easy and safe. The figure shows the TAZARA line and the oil pipeline from Tanzania to Zambia (TAZAMA oil pipeline). Oil and gas pipelines can pass underwater and on land, depending on the nature of the environment.

This situation provides an opportunity for citizens to be self-employed or employed by other people or institutions and, thus, improve personal and national income. The transported gas is used to produce energy required for domestic and industrial use.

Water transportation takes place in

1. oceans,
2. seas,
3. lakes and
4. navigable rivers.

Marine Transport and International Connections

Tanzania utilizes marine transport to connect with various countries through oceans and lakes. The Indian Ocean provides maritime links to:

1. Kenya
2. Somalia
3. Seychelles
4. Mozambique
5. South Africa
6. Asian countries

Major Lakes and Their Connections

1. Lake Victoria – connects Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.
2. Lake Tanganyika – one of Africa's deepest lakes, shared by Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, and Zambia.
3. Lake Nyasa – links Tanzania, Malawi, and Mozambique.

Economic and Trade Contributions

Water transport plays a crucial role in fostering economic growth and international cooperation.

1. Trade expansion: reliable maritime transport has strengthened trade between Tanzania and neighboring countries along the Great Lakes and the Indian Ocean coast.
2. Goods transportation: Lake Victoria serves as a major route for transporting goods between Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.

Water transportation has significantly improved the agricultural and industrial sectors. This is because of the convenient transportation of agricultural inputs and equipment from European and Asian countries.

1. This situation has provided opportunities for trade and employment to the local people thus,
2. improving the income of individual Tanzanians and the nation as a whole.
3. The export of industrial raw materials and industrial products contributes to the economic growth of Tanzania and other countries.
4. The development of water transportation services has also led to the growth of national and international markets such as the Kibirizi International Fish Market in Kigoma, Kirumba Fish and Sardines Market in Mwanza, and Kibaigwa Maize Market in Dodoma.

Air transportation is carried out by aeroplanes and helicopters. Some of the international airports in Tanzania are

1. Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA, Dar es Salaam),
2. Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA, Kilimanjaro) and
3. Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (Zanzibar).

Major Airports in Tanzania

Tanzania has several airports facilitating domestic and international travel. Some of the key airports include:

1. Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) in Dar es Salaam
2. Mwanza Airport
3. Arusha Airport
4. Songwe Airport (Mbeya)
5. Tabora Airport
6. Bukoba Airport
7. Kigoma Airport
8. Dodoma Airport
9. Mtwara Airport

Government Efforts to Improve Air Transport

The government has been continuously improving air transport by expanding and upgrading existing airports to meet international standards. For example, Julius Nyerere International Airport has been upgraded from two to three passenger terminals, enhancing both domestic and international air travel.

Impact of International Airlines

The presence of international airlines in Tanzania has significantly facilitated transportation to and from various countries, including:

1. European nations
2. United Arab Emirates
3. India
4. United States
5. Ethiopia
6. Kenya
7. Uganda
8. Rwanda
9. South Africa

Economic and Social Benefits of Air Travel

Air transport has played a crucial role in Tanzania's economic and social development. Some key benefits include:

1. Tourism growth:
   • The number of tourists from Europe, America, and Asia has been increasing each year.
   • Tourism development has boosted personal income and the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
   • The expansion of tourism-related services, such as accommodation, food, health services, and recreation, has contributed to economic growth.
2. Business and trade:
   • Businesspersons use air transport for exporting and importing goods and raw materials.
   • Common exports include flowers, sculptures, ornaments, and traditional clothes.

Air Transport and International Cooperation

Air transport has strengthened and maintained Tanzania's economic cooperation with other countries worldwide. It has facilitated trade, investment, and diplomatic relations, contributing to the nation's overall development.

In general, the means of transportation have been the catalyst for economic and social development in Tanzania.

1. Tanzania has been earning revenues from taxes levied on the use of transport routes.
2. It has also been increasing her national income through taxes from roads tolls, port and airport duties.
3. Transportation has helped the nation to import various goods that are not produced locally or are not produced in sufficient amount to meet our local demand. Examples include machines and spare parts for running large and small industries.
4. Transportation has attracted local and foreign investors to invest in various sectors in Tanzania due to the improved investment environment. The arrival of international experts and investors to Tanzania has benefitted the country through the influx of scientific and technological skills. This contributes to economic development of the country.
5. Transportation of crops and raw materials from one area to another has increased the incomes of individuals in areas where the means of transportation originate or pass through. Sales of goods and products to neighboring countries have also contributed to economic development in the country. Citizens of the countries bordering Tanzania have been doing business in the country, thus, increasing their individual and national incomes.