Tanzania has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) to ensure it becomes a modern regional connectivity hub supporting trade, investment and economic development.
Minister of Transport Prof Makame Mbarawa said that on July 14 ,2026 at the lo night gala to commemorate golden jubilee of the TAZARA.
He said the ongoing revitalisation of the historic railway reflects its determination to improve transport links between Tanzania, Zambia and the wider Southern African region.
Prof Mbarawa said the country remains committed to ensuring that TAZARA continues to play a strategic role in regional integration by improving efficiency, reliability and capacity.
He said the partnership with China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) provides an important opportunity to restore the railway’s operational strength and position it as a competitive transport corridor.
“Our responsibility is not only to preserve TAZARA’s proud history but also to prepare it for the opportunities and challenges of the next 50 years,” he said.
The minister made the remarks during TAZARA’s Golden Jubilee Gala Dinner in Dar es Salaam, where Tanzania, Zambia and China renewed their commitment to revitalising the railway after decades of efforts to find a sustainable solution.
Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania Chen Mingjian said China would continue supporting efforts to revive TAZARA, describing it as a symbol of friendship and cooperation among the three countries.
She said a stronger TAZARA would contribute to expanding trade, industrial cooperation and investment opportunities along the corridor.
Zambia’s Deputy High Commissioner to Tanzania Antony Bwallya said the railway remains a vital asset for Zambia, providing an important connection to the sea and supporting regional commerce.
He said the revival of TAZARA should focus on creating a modern transport system capable of supporting mining, agriculture, manufacturing and other economic activities.
The three countries said the next phase of TAZARA would focus on improving safety, efficiency and service delivery while ensuring the railway delivers greater economic benefits to communities and businesses across the region.
TAZARA Managing Director Eng. Bruno Ching’andu said renewed political support from the governments of Tanzania and Zambia had created a new opportunity to transform the railway.
He said the revitalisation programme would focus on upgrading infrastructure, introducing modern technology and rolling stock, improving management efficiency and restoring confidence among customers and stakeholders.
“The revitalisation programme provides a genuine foundation for a new beginning. It offers an opportunity to rehabilitate our railway infrastructure, introduce modern rolling stock and technology, strengthen management efficiency and restore the confidence of the TAZARA workforce,” Eng. Ching’andu said.
