The Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) has secured an investment of $1.5 million from the China Construction and Civil Engineering Corporation (CCECC) to revitalise and operate the railway over a 30-year period. The announcement was made by TAZARA CEO Bruno Ching'andu during the Zambia International Mining and Energy Conference (ZIMEC 2025) in Kitwe, Zambia.
Under the proposed agreement, CCECC will invest in the complete rehabilitation of TAZARA's rail infrastructure to improve safety, efficiency and capacity. In addition, USD 400 million will be allocated for the acquisition of 32 new locomotives and 762 railcars, significantly increasing freight and passenger capacity. The 30-year concession period will be structured with the first 3 years dedicated to construction and rehabilitation, followed by 27 years of full operational management to ensure long-term sustainability.
This agreement marks an important milestone in the transformation of TAZARA into a more efficient and reliable transport corridor, positioning it as a key facilitator of trade and economic growth between Tanzania and Zambia. Annual operating capacity is expected to increase from the current 500,000 metric tonnes to approximately 2 million metric tonnes.
Source: thecitizen.co.tz 21/03/2025