By Business Insider Reporter
The Prime Minister, Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba, has described the Pangani River Bridge and its link roads as a transformative investment poised to stimulate trade, tourism and regional commerce along the country’s northern coastline.
Inspecting the 525-metre Pangani Bridge and 25.6 kilometres of connecting roads on February 15, 2026, Dr. Nchemba said the TSh124.9 billion project would significantly expand economic opportunities for residents and businesses in Pangani District and neighbouring areas.
“This bridge and the connecting road network will leave a lasting economic footprint in this district. Not every leader has the vision and courage to undertake infrastructure of this magnitude,” he said.
He praised President Samia Suluhu Hassan for prioritising strategic infrastructure investment, saying the project reflects a long-term development agenda aimed at integrating coastal and inland markets.
From a business perspective, the bridge is expected to improve logistics efficiency between Tanga, Pangani and key tourism circuits, while lowering transport costs for agricultural producers and small traders who have historically faced seasonal disruptions when crossing the Pangani River.
Dr Nchemba urged district authorities to align local infrastructure with the upgraded transport corridor by planning for a modern bus terminal that matches the international standard of the bridge and roads. Analysts say such complementary investments could catalyse new commercial hubs, retail activity and property development in the area.
Deputy Minister for Works, Godfrey Kasekenya, confirmed that the government is committed to delivering the project on time and to the required quality standards so that communities can begin reaping its benefits without delay. Implementation currently stands at 64 percent, with completion scheduled for 5 February 2027.
Kasekenya added that the Pangani Bridge forms part of a broader coastal connectivity strategy, including the planned 256-kilometre Bagamoyo (Makurunge)–Mkange–Pangani–Tanga road and a proposed 63-kilometre Tanga bypass. A consultant has already been appointed and is expected to commence work this month, starting with the Muheza–Kisimatui–Pongwe–Pambe–Kiomoni section.
The expanded corridor is likely to strengthen trade flows not only within Tanga Region but also with neighbouring Kenya, given Pangani’s proximity to regional transport routes linking to Mombasa.
Meanwhile, Minister for Water, Jumaa Aweso, proposed the introduction of a fast boat service operating from Pangani to serve passengers travelling from Tanga city, Mombasa, Arusha, Kilimanjaro and Manyara. Currently, many coastal travellers rely on Dar es Salaam’s port facilities.
“We are talking about the economy here. Human dignity is the economy,” Aweso said. “You have built us the road; what we are now fighting for is economic growth and improved livelihoods for our people.” For investors and regional businesses, the Pangani Bridge represents more than a transport upgrade. It signals the government’s push to deepen infrastructure-led growth, unlock underutilised coastal assets, and integrate tourism, agriculture and cross-border trade into a more seamless northern economic corridor.
