Why TAZARA revival crucial
BEIJING: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has highlighted the importance of revitalising the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) to enhance regional trade in the face of evolving global trade dynamics.
Speaking on Wednesday, President Samia stressed the need for both Tanzania and Zambia to improve the 1,860-kilometre railway line to ensure it serves the people of both nations effectively.
The railway is a key link between the two countries, facilitating trade and economic development.
A significant step towards this goal was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Beijing between China, Tanzania and Zambia.
The initial agreement, witnessed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, President Samia and Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, took place at the sidelines of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit. The MoU aims to rehabilitate TAZARA and enhance rail-sea transportation in East Africa.
President Samia highlighted the historical significance of TAZARA, built nearly 50 years ago with Chinese support to provide Zambia access to the Port of Dar es Salaam during a period when its neighbouring countries were still under colonial rule.
“Now, with independence and global trade changes, it is our responsibility to create the right environment and make necessary improvements so that our citizens can benefit from this vital railway,” she said.
Adding,” Now, after independence and with the ongoing global trade changes, it is our responsibility to create the right environment and make improvements so that our citizens can benefit from this crucial railway that connects our countries.”
In February this year, China proposed spending 1 billion US dollars (about 2.72tri/-) to rehabilitate the railway via a public-private partnership model.
Earlier this year, the World Bank approved 270 million US dollars (about 734.4bn/-) in financing to help improve connectivity between neighbours Tanzania and Zambia and boost regional trade.
China originally funded the single-track TAZARA railway with an interest-free loan. It was constructed by Chinese and African workers between 1970 and 1975. The railway offers a cargo transport route from Zambia’s copper and cobalt mines to the sea on Tanzania’s coast.
“China is willing to take this summit as an opportunity to make new progress in the revitalisation of the TAZARA, cooperate to improve the rail-sea intermodal transport network in East Africa and build Tanzania into a demonstration zone for deepening high-quality China-Africa Belt and Road cooperation,” said Xi, according to state media.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Tanzania.
Before the signing ceremony, President Samia had a meeting with President Xi where Dr Samia said that the relationship between the two countries is important and called for continued cooperation in various sectors, as well as further collaboration in the Belt and Road Initiative to bring visible benefits to the people.
President Samia urged the private sector in China to invest in Tanzania, particularly in the production of renewable energy sources and infrastructure development.
During the meeting, President Xi said China is ready to deepen the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership with Tanzania to deliver more benefits to both peoples and pass on the traditional friendship from generation to generation.
He said these efforts will help Tanzania become a demonstration zone for deepening high-quality Belt and Road cooperation between China and African countries.
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China and Tanzania agreed to continue exchanging experiences and providing training in various areas of government.
Speaking about the FOCAC Summit, President Samia expressed her belief that the meeting will make new contributions to strengthening the friendly cooperation between Africa and China and promote the process of industrialisation and modern agriculture in Africa.
