Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE Vice-President Ambassador Emmanuel Nchimbi, has said the rehabilitation of the Tanzania–Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) will significantly strengthen the Central and Southern Corridor.
He said the move will also boost trade among Tanzania, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) countries and Africa at large.
He made the remarks while representing President Samia Suluhu Hassan, at the foundation stone-laying ceremony launching the major rehabilitation works of the TAZARA Railway, held in Lusaka, Zambia yesterday.
Amb Nchimbi noted that the project will enhance both domestic and international trade for Tanzania and Zambia, promote agriculture, mining, industry, tourism and create more employment opportunities for communities across the region.
He said that as the TAZARA line undergoes modernisation, Tanzania is also implementing comprehensive upgrades to its ports.
These include President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s initiative to expand the Dar es Salaam Port with new berths, improve operational efficiency and enhance connectivity between the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and TAZARA.
He added that Tanzania will continue improving the ports of Tanga, Mtwara and Bagamoyo to ensure world-class transport services for Zambia, SADC and the rest of Africa.
The Vice-President further highlighted that the rehabilitation comes at a time when China is emerging as a major global economic driver under its 15th Five-Year Plan, positioning it as a key development partner.
He underscored that history has shown the strength of unity between Tanzania, Zambia and China, stating that if the founding leaders of the three nations were able to build the “Freedom Railway,” then with today’s advanced capabilities, they will certainly succeed in modernising TAZARA and turning it into a model of 21st-century cooperation.
TAZARA remains a powerful symbol of friendship and shared vision among Tanzania, Zambia and the People’s Republic of China.
The 1,860-kilometre railway, 975 km in Tanzania and 885 km in Zambia, connects the Port of Dar es Salaam to New Kapiri Mposhi, operating on the Cape Gauge system (1,067 mm).
The rehabilitation project will involve extensive upgrades, including improvements to the railway line, stations and communication systems, as well as the acquisition of 34 locomotives, 760 wagons, 18 coaches and two passenger trains.
The revitalised system aims to increase annual cargo capacity to 2.4 million tonnes by its third year of operation.
Amb Nchimbi described the rehabilitation as a historic milestone for the Tanzania– Zambia railway network, noting that it will strengthen the railway’s role as a key regional transport route that promotes investment, facilitates trade, reduces transportation costs and enhances regional integration.
The project also reinforces the relationship between China, Tanzania and Zambia, while strengthening ties between SADC and the East African Community (EAC).
The ceremony was graced by the President of the Republic of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema, and the Premier of the People’s Republic of China, Li Qiang.
The Vice-President was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Professor Godius Kahyarara; Tanzania’s Ambassador to Zambia, Lieutenant General (Rtd) Mathew Mkingule; the Director General of Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC), Engineer Machibya Masanja; TASAC Director General, Mr Mohamed Salum; and various government experts.
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