TAZARA Railway Revitalization on Track as China Finalizes Takeover

Lusaka, Zambia - The Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) is set to undergo its biggest upgrade yet, with a Chinese state-owned company finalizing an agreement to take over the concession of the railway by the end of 2024. The move is expected to breathe new life into the 1,860-kilometer railway, which has been a vital artery for the region's economy since its construction in the 1970s.

The rehabilitation of the railway, which will see China invest over $1 billion, was announced during the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit in Beijing. The project is expected to take about two years to complete and will quadruple the annual tonnage carried on the line to about 2 million tons.

The TAZARA railway has played a crucial role in transporting copper from Zambia to Tanzania for export overseas, significantly contributing to the economic development of both countries. However, the railway has faced challenges in recent years, including poor management, aging infrastructure, and reduced capacity.

The revitalization of the railway is expected to have a significant impact on the region's economy, particularly in the energy transition sector. Copper and cobalt mine operators in Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo are seeking routes to get their growing production to ports, and the TAZARA railway is expected to play a crucial role in this process.

The project is also seen as a symbol of Pan-African socialism and resistance to colonialism, as it was originally built as a way to export copper and cobalt without relying on colonial Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and apartheid South Africa.

China's involvement in the project is part of its broader efforts to strengthen its ties with Africa and promote regional connectivity in Africa. The country has been actively engaged in infrastructure development projects across the continent, including the construction of roads, railways, and ports.

The TAZARA railway project is expected to be a key component of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which aims to promote economic cooperation and connectivity among countries along the ancient Silk Road.

As the project moves forward, it is expected to create new opportunities for economic growth and development in the region, and further solidify China's position as a key player in Africa's infrastructure development.