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Tanzania, Zambia, and China have come together to breathe new life into the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (Tazara) with a $1.4 billion investment aimed at upgrading and running the railway for the next 30 years.
This partnership is expected to significantly improve the railway’s efficiency, capacity, and overall reliability, making it a key driver of regional trade and economic development.
The news was shared by Tazara’s Managing Director, Mr. Bruno Ching’andu, at the Zambia International Mining and Energy Conference (ZIMEC 2025) in Kitwe, Zambia. Mr. Ching’andu confirmed that the final talks with the Chinese partners, who originally constructed the railway, are nearing completion.
This investment comes on the heels of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed during last year’s Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing, where the Presidents of China, Tanzania, and Zambia showed their support for the deal. This marks a major milestone in securing the future of Tazara, which will now be under a 30-year agreement.
The overhaul of the railway will be carried out in two key phases. The first phase will focus on rehabilitation, including upgrades to the tracks and infrastructure. This phase, which will last three years, will ensure the railway meets modern standards of safety, capacity, and efficiency. The second phase will see the full operational management of the railway over the remaining 27 years, ensuring it remains sustainable and efficient.
Mr. Ching’andu emphasized that the investment is not just about physical upgrades but also about fostering stronger connections between the countries. “This project is a turning point for Tazara,” he said. “By improving the railway’s infrastructure and introducing new locomotives and wagons, we’re not only upgrading transport; we’re also boosting economic ties in the region.”
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As part of the plan, $1 billion will go towards rehabilitating the railway, while an additional $400 million will fund the purchase of 32 new locomotives and 762 wagons. These additions will enhance both freight and passenger services, making Tazara a more vital link for trade in the region.
Maintenance and regular upgrades will be part of the long-term plan to keep the railway running smoothly throughout the 30-year concession. The focus is on ensuring that Tazara’s operations remain efficient, reliable, and sustainable for decades to come.
This investment marks a new chapter for Tazara, with the potential to transform it into a modern, reliable transport corridor that strengthens not just regional infrastructure, but also the economic growth of Tanzania, Zambia, and their neighbors. The collaboration between Tanzania, Zambia, and China signals a commitment to improving key infrastructure that will benefit generations to come.
