Deal for upgrading TAZARA railway signed in Beijing

CHINA: Tanzania, China, and Zambia have signed a significant agreement aimed at upgrading the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) railway in Beijing.

The signing ceremony took place at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Wednesday and was witnessed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, President Xi Jinping of China, and President Hakainde Hichilema from Zambia.

The agreement, signed by representatives from Tanzania, China, and Zambia, is part of a broader initiative to enhance regional transportation infrastructure.

The TAZARA railway, considered a crucial link between Tanzania and Zambia since its inception in the 1970s, is set to undergo major improvements to increase its capacity, efficiency, and reliability.

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The decision to upgrade the TAZARA railway comes at a time when regional trade between Southern and East Africa is becoming increasingly important.

The improvements are expected to boost trade and economic cooperation not only between Tanzania and Zambia but also with China, which has been a key partner in the development of African infrastructure.

The modernization of the TAZARA railway is expected to begin in the coming months, with the project aimed at enhancing the railway’s operational efficiency, increasing its freight capacity, and reducing transit times.

This move is seen as a critical step toward improving the overall transportation network in the region, promoting economic growth, and fostering closer ties among the three nations.

This agreement marks a new chapter in the longstanding partnership between Tanzania, China, and Zambia, demonstrating a shared commitment to sustainable development and regional cooperation.