A US$1.4 billion project to revitalise the 1,860 km Tanzania-Zambia Railway (Tazara) was officially launched during a visit by Chinese Premier Li Qiang to Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema. The launch event, held on November 20 at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka, was attended by the leaders of Zambia, Tanzania, and China, marking a significant step in the renewal of the historic rail line.
Tazara, originally built in the 1970s by China Civil Engineering Construction Corp, was financed by China as a symbol of post-colonial development. The revitalisation work, under a 30-year concession agreement, will involve comprehensive repairs and upgrades, including the procurement of new locomotives, wagons, and coaches. The project aims to increase freight capacity from 200,000 to 2.4 million tonnes per year, significantly improving transit times and boosting regional trade.
President Hichilema highlighted the importance of deepening the partnership between Zambia, Tanzania, and China, emphasising the need for the Tazara line to evolve into an economic corridor. With the revitalisation, the railway will enhance opportunities in sectors such as mining and agriculture, offering broader economic benefits beyond transport.
