Revitalizing Multimodal Transport Could Boost Burundi’s Trade Efficiency, Says Logistics Expert

Burundi’s economic operators would readily adopt a revitalized multimodal transport route to Dar-es-Salaam Port due to significant cost advantages over road transport, according to a leading logistics specialist.

The Historical Advantage of Multimodal Transport

Déo Ntibibuka, CEO of International Freight Logistics (IFL), highlights the route’s historical significance: In the 1970s to mid-1980s, the preferred route was the lake line from Bujumbura to Kigoma, and the railway line from Kigoma to Dar-es-Salaam.

Ntibibuka explains the multimodal route’s economic benefits: This combination allowed transport of 100-200 tons per trip via ships and trains, reducing costs significantly for end consumers. Nearly 90% of Burundi’s fuel imports used this route.

Why Operators Abandoned the Multimodal Route

The 1990s saw a shift to road transport due to the multimodal route’s declining efficiency. It became obsolete with long transit times, Ntibibuka notes, despite road transport’s limitations like Tanzania’s 27-ton truck weight restrictions and higher operational costs.

Dar-es-Salaam Port: Burundi’s Strategic Trade Gateway

Ntibibuka emphasizes Dar-es-Salaam’s crucial role: Over 90% of Burundian trade flows through this port. It’s closer (1,500km vs Mombasa’s 2,000km) and requires crossing only one border compared to three for Mombasa.

He concludes: The country has every interest in revitalizing the lake-rail line. It’s a logical choice for cost-effective trade.