From sacrifice to strength, the enduring spirit of the TAZARA railway

DAR ES SALAAM: THE stories are still alive, passed down from fathers, shared among colleagues and remembered along the tracks that cut across East Africa.

CRJE (East Africa) Ltd recently joined Chinese and Tanzanian communities to honour the experts who gave their lives building the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA).

For many in attendance, it wasn’t just a memorial, it was personal. Behind every kilometre of track lies a story of sacrifice, far from home.

Built in the 1970s, the TAZARA Railway stands as one of Africa’s most enduring symbols of international cooperation. Stretching between Tanzania and Zambia, it created a vital lifeline for landlocked countries seeking economic independence.

At a time when both nations were emerging from the shadow of colonialism, the railway represented hope, resilience and self-determination.

Thousands of Chinese engineers and workers answered the call, travelling great distances to help bring the ambitious project to life. Many never returned home.

“I remember the stories my father used to tell me about the Chinese engineers who worked on the railway,” said John, a Tanzanian employee of TAZARA.

“They were dedicated and hardworking, and they truly believed in the project. We are forever grateful for their sacrifices.” For today’s workforce, the railway is more than infrastructure, it is a shared legacy.

“I am proud to be part of this company and to work alongside Tanzanian colleagues who share our commitment,” said Li, a Chinese employee of TAZARA.

“The railway is a symbol of our friendship, and together, we can achieve even more.” Li Yuanhang of CRJE (East Africa) Ltd reflected on the deeper meaning of the ceremony.

“We honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Their dedication continues to inspire us to strengthen cooperation, pursue mutual benefit and support sustainable development across the region.”

Tanzanian employees of CRJE (East Africa) Ltd also shared their thoughts on the occasion.

“I am proud to be part of a team that values cooperation and friendship,” said Happy Zefania Kiula.

“The TAZARA Railway is a symbol of what we can achieve when we work together towards a common goal.”

“I have learned so much from my Chinese colleagues, and I appreciate the opportunity to work together on projects that benefit our community.

The spirit of the TAZARA Railway lives on, and I am committed to contributing to its legacy,” says Elizabeth Masabo Mubiligi.

“The TAZARA Railway is a testament to the power of cooperation and determination,” said Glory Shadrack Mbise.

“I am proud to be part of a company that is committed to building on this legacy and promoting sustainable development in Tanzania and the region.”

The memorial activity was an opportunity for Chinese and Tanzanian employees to come together and reflect on the history of China-Tanzania cooperation.

Through shared stories and memories, the team was reminded of the spirit of cooperation and determination that drove the construction of the TAZARA Railway.

This spirit, embodied in the phrase “Friendship Road, Road of Life,” continues to inspire and motivate the team to work towards a common goal.

The TAZARA Railway has played a significant role in promoting economic development and regional integration in East Africa.

The railway has facilitated trade and investment, and has contributed to the growth of local industries and communities.

As the company looks to the future, it remains committed to building on the legacy of the TAZARA Railway and to working with its partners to promote sustainable development and prosperity in the region.

The spirit of the TAZARA Railway will continue to inspire and motivate, and will remain a guiding force for the company as it strives to build a brighter future for all.

The legacy of the TAZARA Railway will live on, inspiring and motivating future generations to work towards a common goal.

The development of China Railway Construction Engineering Group East Africa, a sister company of CRJE (East Africa) Ltd began with the TAZARA Railway.

As early as 1969, the company participated in the construction of the TAZARA Railway, dispatching more than 1,100 personnel to undertake the building of locomotive depots, 93 station buildings and various supporting facilities along the line.

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After the completion of the railway, some personnel remained locally to continue supporting railway operations and gradually transitioned toward market-oriented development.

From “aid construction” to “joint development,” from “participant” to “builder,” and now to a “development partner.”

Today, the company has grown into an important force in Tanzania’s construction sector, continuously contributing to infrastructure development.

All of this stems from the enduring legacy of the TAZARA Railway spirit.

As the ceremony concluded, the team was reminded of the importance of continuing to work together to promote economic development and regional integration in East Africa.

The TAZARA Railway is a shining example of what can be achieved through cooperation and determination, and it will continue to inspire and motivate future generations to work towards a common goal.

The event encouraged both Chinese and Tanzanian employees to inherit and carry forward the spirit of the TAZARA Railway, which is built on the principles of friendship, cooperation and mutual benefit.

This spirit is essential for the company’s steady development and growth, and will continue to guide the team as they work towards building a high-level China-Tanzania and China-Africa community with a shared future.

The TAZARA Railway has also played a significant role in promoting cultural exchange between China and Tanzania.

The railway has brought people from different cultures and backgrounds together, fostering greater understanding and cooperation.

In conclusion, the Qingming memorial activity was a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the Chinese experts who devoted their lives to the construction of the TAZARA Railway.

The ceremony served as a platform to promote interaction between Chinese and Tanzanian employees and to foster a sense of unity and shared purpose.

As the company looks to the future, it remains committed to building on the legacy of the TAZARA Railway, and to working with its partners to promote sustainable development and prosperity in the region.

The spirit of the TAZARA Railway will continue to inspire and motivate and will remain a guiding force for the company as it strives to build a brighter future for all.

The legacy of the TAZARA Railway will live on, inspiring and motivating future generations to work towards a common goal.