The decades-old Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) railway line, built with Chinese assistance, has made significant contributions to the prosperity and development of Africa, according to local people.
The TAZARA railway, known as the "Uhuru Railway" or "Independent Railway," was constructed as a turnkey project between 1970 and 1975 through an interest-free loan from China. Commercial operations started in July 1976, covering 1,860 km from Dar es Salaam in Tanzania to New Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia.
Over its 49 years of operation, the railway has become a vital artery that ensures the economic operation and development of Tanzania, Zambia, and surrounding areas.
For many cross-border traders in Zambia who conduct their businesses between Zambia and Tanzania, the TAZARA trains are the most affordable means of transporting both goods and people.
"I've been using TAZARA since 1996, I'm still using TAZARA. It has advantages. It is cheaper. It is safe. You don't have to experience such (uncomfortable) things," said Vincent Chinyimba, a local passenger.
In addition to aiding in the construction of the railway line, the Chinese government's assistance also provided local residents with relevant professional skills and employment opportunities.
"I went to China and I was doing civil engineering, later engineering under the civil engineering department. We looked for many countries but China came up and offered to do it for us. It was like a miracle and it's a sign of friendship between Zambia and China," said Mathew Phiri, a retired maintenance engineer who worked on TAZARA.
The railway has made a positive contribution to the economic and trade development of both Tanzania and Zambia, as well as the greater African region.
However, due to its deteriorating infrastructure and aging system, the railway's passenger and freight train capacity has not yet met its intended levels, with urgent upgrades and renovations required.
At the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing, China, Tanzania, and Zambia reached a consensus on revitalizing the TAZARA railway.
"Today, TAZARA is facing a lot of challenges, of which again TAZARA needs to be revitalized and China has come back to help. It shows that China is well committed to assisting Africa in all," said Samuel Sholobela, head of commercial services at the Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority.
Chinese-built TAZARA railway makes positive contributions to African development
