AfDB president praises progress on landmark Chinese-built projects in Tanzania

President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Akinwumi Adesina on Saturday praised the progress of two major infrastructure projects underway in Tanzania's capital, Dodoma, being constructed by Chinese companies.

Adesina made the remarks after inspecting the AfDB-financed projects alongside Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

The first stop was the Msalato International Airport, a development project being built by several Chinese firms under the supervision of the Tanzania National Roads Agency and the Tanzania Airports Authority.

He described the airport as a flagship investment designed to strengthen Tanzania's air connectivity, boost trade and tourism and promote regional integration.

According to Tanzania's Minister for Transport Makame Mbarawa, the airport spans 4,500 hectares, making it the second-largest in the country after the Kilimanjaro International Airport. Once completed, it is expected to handle up to 1.5 million passengers annually.

Adesina also visited the Dodoma City Outer Ring Road project, a 112.3-kilometer dual carriageway being built by AVIC International Project Engineering Company and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation.

Addressing a public rally in Nala on the outskirts of Dodoma, Adesina described the two projects as "transformational developments" that would enhance both domestic and international connectivity through reliable and resilient infrastructure.

Hassan expressed her appreciation to the bank for supporting the landmark projects, emphasizing their potential to significantly boost Tanzania's economic growth, trade and tourism.

(Cover: AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina delivers his remarks during the AfDB group annual meeting opening ceremony in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, May 27, 2025. /VCG)