Tanzania completes TZS 60 billion Nduli Airport upgrade to boost tourism and trade
Tanzania has completed a TZS 60 billion (approximately KES 3.1 billion) overhaul of Nduli Airport in Iringa, transforming the facility into a strategic aviation hub for the country's Southern Highlands region. Inaugurated on 24 May, the upgrade - which included runway expansion, terminal modernisation and advanced all-weather navigation systems - was announced by Deputy Minister for Transport David Kihenzile alongside Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba. The investment forms part of the Sixth Phase Administration's broader multimodal transport strategy under President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
The upgraded airport serves as the primary aerial gateway to Ruaha National Park, one of East Africa's largest wildlife reserves, and is expected to significantly increase access for international visitors and high-value eco-tourism. Beyond tourism, the enhanced air freight capacity is set to benefit Iringa's substantial horticultural sector - a major producer of avocados, tea and fresh vegetables - with economists projecting agricultural revenue growth of up to 30% within the next fiscal year. The development complements a parallel TZS 3.3 trillion rehabilitation of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) network, positioning Tanzania to build an end-to-end logistics corridor linking its agricultural heartland to global markets.
Source: Streamline