The Minister for Transport, Hon. Prof. Makame Mbarawa, today, August 20, 2026, has officially opened the 4th International Conference on Transport, Logistics and Management, calling upon researchers to develop practical solutions to challenges facing the transport and logistics sector.

The Conference, organised by the National Institute of Transport (NIT), is being held under the theme: “Toward Smart, Green, Integrated and Resilient Transport and Logistics for Seamless Connectivity and Trade Facilitation.”

Speaking during the opening, Prof. Mbarawa said transport is a major enabler of economic growth, trade, industrialisation and regional integration. He noted that, under the leadership of the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, the Government continues to make significant investments in railways, roads, ports, airports, urban transport, lake transport and the Blue Economy.

He explained that the Government’s objective is to establish an efficient and integrated multimodal transport system connecting railways, roads, ports, airports and waterways. 

Prof. Mbarawa emphasised that infrastructure development must be accompanied by improved operational efficiency, lower logistics costs, shorter cargo transit times, enhanced safety and reliability, and greater adoption of digital technologies.

He challenged researchers to ensure that their findings move beyond academic journals and conference proceedings by informing policies, guiding investment decisions and solving practical problems.

“Tanzania does not need research that simply produces reports and ends up on shelves. We need research that translates knowledge into action and delivers measurable results,” Prof. Mbarawa stressed.

The Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC) sponsored and participated in the Conference as part of its commitment to supporting research, innovation, knowledge exchange and professional development in the transport and maritime sectors.

Through its sponsorship and participation, TASAC reaffirmed its commitment to contributing to the development of a smart, safe, green, integrated and resilient transport system that supports trade facilitation and sustainable economic growth.=