Dodoma, Tanzania – Under the scorching sun of Tanzania’s political heart, two giant construction sites are reshaping the city’s future. On Saturday, African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina visited the Msalato International Airport and the Dodoma City Outer Ring Road, both financed by the AfDB and built by leading Chinese firms.
At Msalato International Airport, spread across 4,500 hectares – just shy of the size of Manhattan – Adesina paused to admire the rising terminals and runways. The new hub will be Tanzania’s second-largest airport after Kilimanjaro International. Once operational, it’s set to welcome up to 1.5 million passengers a year, fueling trade, tourism and regional integration.
'This is a flagship investment,' Adesina told a cheering crowd alongside President Samia Suluhu Hassan. 'It will unlock new corridors for business, create jobs and connect communities across East Africa.'
Next stop: the 112.3-kilometer Dodoma City Outer Ring Road, a dual carriageway weaving through suburbs and rolling hills. Constructed by AVIC International Project Engineering Company and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, the ribbon of asphalt is already cutting travel times in half. By linking neighborhoods, markets and the national highway network, it promises smoother commutes and more resilient supply chains.
Transport Minister Makame Mbarawa, who guided the airport tour, highlighted how these projects embody a shift toward modern infrastructure that meets the pace of a fast-growing economy. 'Tanzania is aiming higher,' he said. 'With these investments, Dodoma is ready to step onto the global stage.'
For young entrepreneurs, digital nomads and global travelers, the developments signal a more accessible Tanzania. Improved airports and road networks mean faster flights, safer drives and new opportunities for cross-border collaboration. Academics and activists also see a blueprint for sustainable growth, thanks to technologies and standards that prioritize resilience against climate risks.
As the sun set over Dodoma, the city's skyline hinted at more stories to come. For now, the AfDB-financed, Chinese-built projects are proof that global partnerships can lay the foundation for economic transformation – one runway and one road at a time.
Reference(s):
AfDB president praises progress on Chinese-built projects in Tanzania
cgtn.com
