The Tanzania-Zambia Railway (Tazara) line is set for a massive 1.4 billion dollars revitalization that officials say will modernize the regional transport corridor, unlock new trade opportunities, and quadruple cargo volumes.
Built by China in 1970s, the 1,860-kilometer-long iconic railway will be upgraded under a concession with China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation. It is expected to ease the movement of people and goods between Zambia and Tanzania.
Hailing the upgrade project, Zambia has said that it will position the country for stronger economic growth and more reliable revenue streams.
"It's going to be a three-year period to ensure that there is a brand new track, that we do put in place a modern signaling system, and all the attendant infrastructure, such as the logistics hub that we intend to construct at Kapiri Mposhi, which is the inland port, dry port, here in Zambia, is actually also operationalized," said Frank Tayali, Zambian Minister of Transport and Logistics.
A key component of the upgrade is the establishment of a new sleeper factory in Zambia, which will manufacture the railway sleepers needed for the entire line, a move expected to lower costs and create local jobs.
Once completed, the amount of cargo transported on the line is expected to jump from the current 500,000 tonnes per year to more than three million tonnes, an increase that will boost local businesses.
"Zambia will be given a new lease of life in terms of becoming competitive," said Tayali.
The impact of the project will be felt across multiple sectors, according to economists.
"It gives government the opportunity to be able to earn revenue and help out with other social services. So this is what development actually is," said Lishala Situmbeko, an economist.
The upgraded railway also comes a critical moment when Zambia is seeking to increase its copper production to three million tons by 2031.
"The corridor is a very important piece to that conversation, because for you to be able to produce three million tons, you've got to be able to ship three million tons," said Situmbeko.
From its establishment as a symbol of solidarity five decades ago to today's overhaul, the railway's story continues, now promising a modern, efficient platform that could reshape Zambia's economic future for decades to come.
Tazara Railway upgrade to position Zambia for stronger economic growth, more reliable revenue streams
