CHINA, Tanzania, and Zambia have signed a pivotal agreement to rehabilitate the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) line, a decades-old railway that is key to improving rail-sea transportation in East Africa. The signing took place in Beijing during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, with Chinese President Xi Jinping witnessing the event alongside the presidents of Tanzania and Zambia, according to Chinese state media.
The TAZARA railway, spanning 1,860 kilometres (1,156 miles), was originally constructed between 1970 and 1975 with an interest-free loan from China. It offers a vital transport link, connecting Zambia’s copper and cobalt mines to Tanzania’s coast, bypassing South Africa and the former state of Rhodesia. The railway began operations in 1976, overcoming challenging terrain with the construction of tunnels and bridges by a workforce of tens of thousands of Chinese and African workers.
President Xi highlighted China’s commitment to the revitalisation of the TAZARA line, stating that this project is part of a broader initiative to enhance East Africa’s rail-sea transport network. The refurbishment is also aligned with China’s Belt and Road Initiative, positioning Tanzania as a key hub for China-Africa cooperation.
Earlier this year, the World Bank approved $270 million in funding to enhance trade connectivity between Tanzania and Zambia. In February, China proposed a $1bn investment to rehabilitate the railway through a public-private partnership model, reinforcing its strategic importance for regional trade and infrastructure development.
The TAZARA railway, once referred to as the ‘bamboo railway’ by some Western governments, played a crucial role in Africa’s economic independence and continues to be a key transportation route for the region’s natural resources. The revitalisation of this historic line is expected to bolster regional trade and strengthen economic ties between China and Africa.
About The Author
