Tanzania cherishes digital transport platforms for transforming urban mobility

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzanian government said that the transport sector is a key pillar of national development due to its significant contribution to driving economic and social activities in the country.

Speaking yesterday, May 27, 2026,  in Dar es Salaam during a mobility dialogue themed sustainability, trust and growth in Africa, the Assistant Director of the Transport Services Department at the Ministry of Transport, Andrew Magombana, said the sector is comparable to the blood vessels in the human body as it enables citizens to access various social and economic activities.

“The transport sector is like the blood vessels in the human body. It is an important sector that stimulates economic and social activities by enabling citizens to travel to work, businesses, schools and even recreational areas. In that regard, transport is the backbone of national development,” said Mr Magombana.

He said the growth of the digital transport sector in Tanzania is going hand in hand with major government investments in improving transport infrastructure, including modern roads, the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) services.

According to Mr Magombana, these improvements have created significant opportunities for ride-hailing and digital transport services to grow rapidly while making transportation more convenient for citizens.

He said digital transport services have become an important part of the digital economy by helping reduce time wasted in traffic congestion and increasing productivity in daily activities.

In addition, he added that the sector has continued to become a major source of employment for many young people through driving, vehicle investment and other transport-related services.

Mr Magombana said the government will continue creating a conducive environment for investors through laws and regulations aimed at ensuring the safety of passengers, drivers and all stakeholders in the sector.

He also emphasized the importance of using clean energy, including compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric vehicles, to reduce transport costs and protect the environment.

Senior General Manager of Bolt East Africa, Mr Demetrius Kanyankole, says digital transport platforms are playing a major role in transforming urban mobility, creating jobs, and supporting Tanzania’s economy.

“We currently operate in more than eight cities across Tanzania and continue to provide affordable, reliable, and safe transport solutions for passengers. In Tanzania alone, we work with more than 30,000 active driver-partners who collectively serve millions of passengers through our platform,” he said.

He added that digital transport services are contributing to government revenue collection through taxes, licensing, and digital payment systems, while also improving accountability and transparency in the transport sector.

ALSO READ: Katambi affirms security organs’ unwavering loyalty and discipline in serving Tanzania

“One of the biggest advantages of digital platforms is that every trip is recorded, making it easier to improve safety, efficiency, and accountability,” he said.

On his party, the Chief Executive Officer of Sahara Ventures, Jumanne Mtambalike, has called for Tanzania to embrace digital transformation and innovation as key drivers for economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development.

“We are moving from a traditional economy into a digital and platform economy. This transformation creates opportunities not only for transport services but also for logistics, e-commerce, financial services, and many other sectors,” he said.

According to Mtambalike, Tanzania faces increasing pressure to create employment opportunities for its growing youth population, making digital innovation more important than ever.