The handover of 200 Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) vehicles to Tanzania has marked 2025’s largest single export of Chinese BRT buses to Africa.
The buses, manufactured by Golden Dragon, were officially accepted by Tanzanian representatives on 17 July at the company’s plant in Xiamen, China.
The 18-metre-long buses have been specially adapted for service in Dar es Salaam, where they will form part of the city’s expanding BRT network. With an average daily ridership of hundreds of thousands of passengers, the system plays a key role in easing congestion in Tanzania’s largest city.
In response to local requirements and environmental conditions, Golden Dragon introduced several adjustments to the bus design. The interiors include plastic seating to simplify cleaning in a humid climate, while high-contact elements such as handrails have been constructed from more durable materials to support intensive daily use.
Mohammed Kassim, Executive Director of MOFAT Company in Tanzania said:The Tanzanian government has its own standards for BRT parameters and settings. The manufacturing process and internal configuration of these Golden Dragon buses are very professional, almost identical to our requirements. We are very satisfied with the delivery of the buses.
Golden Dragon reported that the 200 vehicles were manufactured in 45 days, supported by its digital production systems. The first batch of 100 buses shipped from Xiamen Port on 20 July, with arrival in Tanzania expected by mid-August. Services are planned to begin in September.
According to the company, total bus exports in the first half of 2025 reached 4,976 units – a 74% increase compared to the same period last year. Growth in demand has been noted in African markets, as well as from buyers in Asia and Europe. Further deliveries are planned in the second half of the year.
