China, Zambia and Tanzania have signed a $1.4 billion deal to renovate the TAZARA railway, key to the export of copper and cobalt from Zambia to the port of Dar es Salaam.
The project includes track upgrades, the acquisition of new locomotives and wagons, as well as improvements in signalling and safety, with the aim of increasing the efficiency of transporting strategic minerals.
The initiative also includes a long-term management scheme that will allow China to oversee operation and maintenance for several decades, ensuring sustainability of investment and continuity of service.
With a length of 1,860 kilometres, TAZARA connects the Zambian Copperbelt region with the Tanzanian coast, and the modernisation aims to reduce transport times, reduce logistical costs and strengthen regional competitiveness.
The agreement reflects the three countries' intention to deepen economic cooperation and open up new trade opportunities, consolidating China's influence in Africa's strategic infrastructure.
Analysts point out that the renovation of TAZARA will not only optimise mineral trade, but could become a model for future logistics integration and industrial development projects in East Africa.
Source: africa.businessinsider.com