Zambia has kicked off a $1.4 billion rehabilitation project for the historic Tazara railway, strengthening a key trade route between the country’s Copperbelt and the Indian Ocean.
The project was launched by President Hakainde Hichilema, together with China’s Premier Li Qiang and Tanzania’s Vice President Emmanuel Nchimbi, highlighting strong regional and international cooperation.
Premier Li described Tazara as a major symbol of China-Africa partnership and said the upgrade would “renew the railway’s contribution to regional development.”
Built in the 1970s with Chinese assistance, the 1,860 km railway was once a vital export channel for Zambia’s minerals but has suffered reduced operations after years of limited investment.
The overhaul aims to modernise the line, improve cargo flow to the Dar es Salaam port, and restore Tazara’s role as a crucial economic link for Zambia and Tanzania.