NHC signs headquarters construction deal with Central Corridor Transit Transport Facilitation Agency

Dar es Salaam. The National Housing Corporation (NHC) has signed a landmark contract for the construction of the new headquarters for the Central Corridor Transit Transport Facilitation Agency (CCTTFA).

The CCTTFA is a regional institution encompassing seven member states. These countries collaborate to enhance transport, trade, and economic development within Africa's Central Corridor.

The project blueprint

The ambitious project involves the construction of a modern seven-storey building. It will span approximately 3,400 square metres. The infrastructure will be located on Plot No. 81 along Kinondoni Road in Dar es Salaam.

Once completed, the building will be officially named Ushoroba House. It is set to serve as the permanent official headquarters for the CCTTFA.

Financial backing and strategic partnerships

In tandem with the construction agreement, Azania Bank has signed an accord to provide financial backing for the project.

This move underscores a robust partnership between the financial sector and development institutions. It highlights a shared commitment to advancing strategic regional projects.

The signing ceremony took place in the presence of the CCTTFA Executive Secretary, Okandju Okonge Flory. Ministers of Transport from all seven Central Corridor member states witnessed the event. Among the dignitaries was Tanzania's Minister of Transport, Professor Makame Mnyaa Mbarawa.

Driving regional integration

The construction of Ushoroba House is expected to significantly boost the capacity of the CCTTFA.

It will streamline the coordination of regional operations.

Furthermore, the new headquarters will drive the agenda for transport improvement, trade facilitation, and deepened economic cooperation among member nations. 

The permanent base will support current multi-national infrastructure projects.

These include the expansion of the regional Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) networks and the development of sustainable cross-border logistics hubs.

Background of the CCTTFA

The CCTTFA was originally established on September 2, 2006. It was formed through an agreement by five founding governments: Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda.

The agency was mandated to coordinate transit transport management along the Central Corridor trade route. The agency has since expanded its regional footprint significantly.

Malawi officially acceded to the agreement on December 1, 2023, followed by the Republic of Zambia on October 8, 2024.

This growth integrates the network across three major regional blocs: the East African Community (EAC), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). 

The Central Corridor serves as a critical multi-modal transport and logistics lifeline. It connects land-linked member states directly to the sea via the Port of Dar es Salaam.

The transport network encompasses an integrated system of roads, railways, and inland waterways. This infrastructure handles vital international and domestic cargo flows.