The Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA), which spans 1,860 kilometers, has suffered from decades of underinvestment and is operating far below its capacity. This project aims to revitalize infrastructure that was previously built with Chinese financing and expertise in the 1970s.
The rehabilitation will enhance the efficiency of the railway line, particularly as copper shipments from Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are putting unprecedented pressure on regional transport corridors. Currently, most ore is transported by truck, leading to significant congestion at border posts. The upgraded railway is expected to reduce transport times and provide exporters of bulk minerals with a more reliable alternative to moving goods to port.
The $1.4 billion project includes an initial investment of $1.1 billion, along with $238 million earmarked for reinvestments. Ernest Chanda, the Principal Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, stated that the work will involve rehabilitating the track from Dar es Salaam to New Kapiri Mposhi and upgrading major workshops. The project will also maintain the existing railway line and deliver 34 new locomotives, 16 passenger coaches, and 760 wagons.
At the signing ceremony, Minister of Transport and Logistics Frank Tayali emphasized that revitalizing TAZARA is not just about restoring a railway line; it’s about rekindling a vision of regional integration, economic growth, and shared prosperity. He noted that the project provides farmers, traders, and industries with a vital link to markets across borders and beyond.
“It also opens up opportunities for young people, builds capacity in TAZARA, and strengthens the bonds of friendship among nations,” Mr. Tayali stated.
