In a major step toward enhancing East Africa’s trade infrastructure, China, Tanzania, and Zambia have signed a new agreement to revitalize the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) railway. The agreement, signed during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing, was overseen by Chinese President Xi Jinping along with the presidents of Tanzania and Zambia.
The TAZARA railway, a vital trade route originally built in the 1970s, connects Zambia’s rich copper and cobalt mines to Tanzania’s coastal ports, streamlining cargo transport across the region. With the planned rehabilitation of this 1,860-kilometer railway, the modernization project will unlock new trade potential, making it easier and more efficient for goods to move between Zambia, Tanzania, and global markets.
President Xi highlighted that this revitalization will significantly enhance the rail-sea intermodal transport network in East Africa, positioning Tanzania and Zambia as central players in regional trade. The initiative is a key component of China’s commitment to deepening its partnership with Africa through high-quality infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative. This renewed collaboration is expected to boost economic growth, attract investments, and improve trade logistics across the region.
The project complements other global efforts, including the World Bank’s recent $270 million funding to improve regional connectivity, reinforcing East Africa’s position as a critical trade hub.
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