A ceremony was held on Wednesday in Lusaka, the Zambian capital, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the entry into commercial operation of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA) built with Chinese aid in the 1970s.
Held under the theme of "TAZARA@50: From Liberation to Transformation," the ceremony marked the culmination of a month-long series of celebration activities held in Zambia and Tanzania.
Built with Chinese assistance in the 1970s, TAZARA began its commercial operations in 1976 and remains a vital transport corridor for regional trade and connectivity in Africa.
As China, Tanzania and Zambia push forward plans to revitalize the railway, TAZARA Managing Director Bruno Ching'andu says the modernization project will strengthen regional connectivity.
"It (TAZARA) is a very good facilitator for the African Free Trade Agreement. That African Free Trade Agreement will succeed only if the transportation is enhanced and TAZARA will provide that, especially after the concessions of TAZARA and after the rehabilitation of the line. We see TAZARA playing a major role in facilitating the African Free Trade Agreement," he said.
Zambia marks 50th anniv. of entry into commercial operation of Tanzania-Zambia Railway
