THE Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) corridor is important because it connects Zambia’s Copperbelt to the port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.
This provides a vital trade route for minerals, agricultural products and manufactured goods while fostering regional integration and economic growth.
TAZARA links landlocked Zambia directly to the Indian Ocean, reducing dependence on South African ports.
It strengthens economic ties among Tanzania, Zambia and, potentially, the Democratic Republic of Congo, supporting intra-African trade.
Originally built in the 1970s with Chinese support, the corridor remains a symbol of China–Africa solidarity
and is now being revitalised through a new US$1.4 billion concession agreement.
This is of paramount significance because with this revitalisation are plans by the concessionaire, China Railway Construction Company (CRCC) and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), to invest in critical economic sectors along the corridor.
The plans came to light yesterday during a courtesy call on Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet for finance and economic development Siazongo Siakalenge by CRCC chief economist Sun Gongxi.
We welcome the intentions by the concessionaire to invest particularly in energy, mining, tourism and agriculture along the TAZARA corridor as this will directly benefit communities by creating jobs, lowering transport costs, improving access to markets, and stimulating local industries.
These developments are expected to transform the corridor into a hub of economic activity, raising living standards and fostering regional integration.
Investments in energy infrastructure will provide stable electricity to communities, reducing reliance on diesel generators.
Electrification supports schools, hospitals and small businesses, thereby enhancing the quality of life.
In terms of industrial growth, mining, agro-processing and manufacturing zones along the corridor will thrive with improved power access.
In the agriculture sector, farmers will gain cheaper, faster transport to the port of Dar es Salaam and regional markets, boosting incomes.
Similarly, the establishment of processing plants along the corridor will add value to crops, creating local jobs.
And where food security is concerned, improved logistics will reduce post-harvest losses, ensuring that more produce reaches consumers.
The tourism sector benefits will include modern passenger services that will make it easier for tourists to access national parks and heritage sites.
Growth in tourism will stimulate demand for hotels, restaurants and cultural experiences, benefiting small businesses.
Equally, the corridor could be marketed as a “rail tourism route,” attracting international visitors and diversifying local economies.
Furthermore, a modernised rail will reduce freight costs, encouraging investment in warehousing and distribution hubs.
Towns along the line will also expand with new housing, retail and services, while construction, operations and ancillary industries will generate thousands of jobs.
Training programmes linked to the project will build local expertise in rail, engineering and management.
In a nutshell, CRCC and CCECC’s involvement in TAZARA is not just about rail rehabilitation; it is about unlocking economic potential along the corridor, from mining and agriculture to logistics and industrial development.
Their investment will position the railway as a backbone for regional trade and integration.
Investments in TAZARA corridor well-intended
THE Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) corridor is important because it connects Zambia’s Copperbelt to the port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.
This provides a vital trade route for minerals, agricultural products and manufactured goods while fostering regional integration and economic growth.
TAZARA links landlocked Zambia directly to the Indian Ocean, reducing dependence on South African ports.
It strengthens economic ties among Tanzania, Zambia and, potentially, the Democratic Republic of Congo, supporting intra-African trade.
Originally built in the 1970s with Chinese support, the corridor remains a symbol of China–Africa solidarity
and is now being revitalised through a new US$1.4 billion concession agreement.
This is of paramount significance because with this revitalisation are plans by the concessionaire, China Railway Construction Company (CRCC) and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), to invest in critical economic sectors along the corridor.
The plans came to light yesterday during a courtesy call on Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet for finance and economic development Siazongo Siakalenge by CRCC chief economist Sun Gongxi.
We welcome the intentions by the concessionaire to invest particularly in energy, mining, tourism and agriculture along the TAZARA corridor as this will directly benefit communities by creating jobs, lowering transport costs, improving access to markets, and stimulating local industries.
These developments are expected to transform the corridor into a hub of economic activity, raising living standards and fostering regional integration.
Investments in energy infrastructure will provide stable electricity to communities, reducing reliance on diesel generators.
Electrification supports schools, hospitals and small businesses, thereby enhancing the quality of life.
In terms of industrial growth, mining, agro-processing and manufacturing zones along the corridor will thrive with improved power access.
In the agriculture sector, farmers will gain cheaper, faster transport to the port of Dar es Salaam and regional markets, boosting incomes.
Similarly, the establishment of processing plants along the corridor will add value to crops, creating local jobs.
And where food security is concerned, improved logistics will reduce post-harvest losses, ensuring that more produce reaches consumers.
The tourism sector benefits will include modern passenger services that will make it easier for tourists to access national parks and heritage sites.
Growth in tourism will stimulate demand for hotels, restaurants and cultural experiences, benefiting small businesses.
Equally, the corridor could be marketed as a “rail tourism route,” attracting international visitors and diversifying local economies.
Furthermore, a modernised rail will reduce freight costs, encouraging investment in warehousing and distribution hubs.
Towns along the line will also expand with new housing, retail and services, while construction, operations and ancillary industries will generate thousands of jobs.
Training programmes linked to the project will build local expertise in rail, engineering and management.
In a nutshell, CRCC and CCECC’s involvement in TAZARA is not just about rail rehabilitation; it is about unlocking economic potential along the corridor, from mining and agriculture to logistics and industrial development.
Their investment will position the railway as a backbone for regional trade and integration.