Transport links to remote western Tanzania will be transformed following an airport upgrade and expansion programme funded by the European Investment Bank. Airports in Kigoma, Bukoba, Tabora, Shinyanga and Sumbawanga will be upgraded to ensure that international safety standards are in place, to provide all weather operations and will be expanded to cater for projected growth. The EIB agreed, on 14 February, to provide €50 million in long-term funding over 20 years. The airport upgrading is expected to encourage economic development within Tanzania and support private sector growth through improved transport connections both within the country and to other parts of East Africa.