The African Development Bank (AfDB) has agreed to loan $696m for a rail link between Burundi and Tanzania as part of Africa’s Central Corridor.

The 651km route will be split into three sections: a 411km stretch linking Tabora to Kigoma, a 156km segment between Uvinza and Malagarasi in Tanzania, and an 84km section between Malagarasi and Musongati in Burundi.

The standard gauge railway will be connected to Tanzania’s existing etwork.

The $696m is being funded by $598m in loans and guarantees to Tanzania and $98m in grants to Burundi.

Some 400km of rail between Dar es Salaam to Dodoma has previously been built as part of the Central Corridor, with a section from Dodoma to Tabora currently under construction.