China, Tanzania and Zambia seal deal to revitalize TAZARA railway

China, Tanzania and Zambia have signed agreements to revitalize the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA), one of Africa's landmark transport corridors.

The project, valued at an approximate total of $1.4 billion, is the result of more than 18 months of negotiations. The project will include an initial $1.1 billion investment, to be followed by $238 million in additional investment.

The China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC), which originally built TAZARA between 1970 and 1976, will spearhead the revitalization.

According to a statement released on Tuesday, the work will include refurbishment of the track from Dar es Salaam to New Kapiri Mposhi, an upgrade to major workshops, maintenance of the existing line, and the purchase of 34 new locomotives, 16 passenger coaches and 760 wagons.

At Monday's signing ceremony in Beijing, Frank Tayali, Zambia's minister of transport and logistics, said the revitalization was "not just about restoring a railway line but reigniting a vision of regional integration, economic growth and shared prosperity".

Tayali added that the project would provide farmers, traders and industry with a critical link to markets across the region while creating new opportunities for young people.

Makame Mbarawa, Tanzania's minister of transport, emphasized the project's potential to stimulate economic growth and employment in both his own country and Zambia.

CRCC Chairman Dai Hegen said the company's track record in Africa, including the Ethiopia-Djibouti railway and the TAZARA Memorial Park, are evidence of its long-standing partnership with the continent.

The TAZARA railway, often referred to as the "Uhuru Railway", was first constructed with Chinese support as a symbol of solidarity and cooperation.