Honouring heroes who built TAZARA railway together in diplomatic circles

DAR ES SALAAM: THE longstanding friendship between Tanzania and the People’s Republic of China was on full display during the Qingming Festival commemorations in Dar es Salaam, recently where the Minister for Home Affairs Patrobas Katambi delivered remarks alongside Chinese Ambassador Chen Mingjian.

Here, the occasion honoured the Chinese experts who journeyed thousands of miles to Tanzania to contribute to the construction of the TanzaniaZambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) Railway, a project that remains one of the most transformative infrastructure initiatives in the region.

Chinese Ambassador Chen Mingjian opened the commemoration by recognising TAZARA Managing Director Engineer Bruno Ching’andu and emphasising the significance of remembering those who sacrificed their lives during the railway’s construction and other China-Tanzania cooperative projects.

She noted that this year, marking the 50th anniversary of TAZARA’s commercial operations, held special meaning, reinforcing the necessity to honour the legacy and carry forward the TAZARA spirit.

Ambassador Chen reflected on the historic journey that brought more than fifty thousand Chinese experts, technicians, and workers to Africa to assist in building TAZARA, also known as the “Uhuru Railway” or “Urafiki Railway.”

These professionals overcame numerous hardships alongside Tanzanian and Zambian counterparts, constructing a railway that has transported over thirty million tonnes of freight and more than forty million passengers, serving as a vital economic artery for the region.

Tragically, seventy Chinese experts lost their lives while on duty and were laid to rest far from home, becoming enduring symbols of China-Tanzania friendship.

The Ambassador highlighted that TAZARA is not merely a railway; it is a monument to the mutual respect, cooperation, and cultural exchange that define China-Africa relations. She recalled President Xi Jinping’s 2013 visit to Tanzania, which reinforced the importance of this legacy and urged both nations to safeguard and advance the TAZARA spirit.

Ambassador Chen stressed that the railway embodies the essence of China-Africa relations, reflecting the shared aspirations, resilience, and determination of both peoples.

The founding Father of the nation, the late President Julius Nyerere’s praise for the Chinese contribution to TAZARA was also recalled, noting that while previous railway projects in Africa were often exploitative, the Chinese effort was driven by genuine partnership and development support.

This spirit of collaboration laid the foundation for ongoing cooperation in infrastructure, trade, and cultural exchange, generating lasting benefits for both countries. Since its completion, TAZARA has facilitated increased cultural exchanges and strengthened people-to-people connections, serving as a tangible representation of equality, friendship, and mutual coexistence.

Ambassador Chen highlighted that the railway exemplifies perseverance and tenacity, symbolising China’s commitment to Africa and demonstrating the achievements possible through joint endeavour. TAZARA remains one of China’s largest turnkey foreign assistance projects, opening the door to pragmatic cooperation across multiple sectors, including energy, bridges, and strategic infrastructure.

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Bilateral trade between China and Tanzania has grown substantially over the years, with China serving as Tanzania’s largest trading partner for ten consecutive years and bilateral trade surpassing $10 billion in the past year. China has also granted zero-tariff treatment to products from 53 African countries, including Tanzania, facilitating the export of agricultural products such as honey, avocados, and wild aquatic goods.

Chinese enterprises have actively participated in strategic projects such as the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), the Julius Nyerere Hydroelectric Power Station, and the Magufuli Bridge, further demonstrating the tangible benefits of ChinaTanzania cooperation.

The TAZARA revitalisation project, inaugurated in a groundbreaking ceremony last November attended by China’s Premier Li Qiang, Tanzania’s Vice-President Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi, and Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema, marks a new chapter for the railway.

The three governments issued a joint statement committing to build the TAZARA Railway Prosperity Belt, promising economic revitalisation for the regions along its path. This initiative coincides with the 70th anniversary of China-Africa diplomatic ties, the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, and the 50th anniversary of TAZARA’s commercial operations, highlighting a historic moment for shared achievement and future collaboration.

Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the TAZARA spirit under the strategic guidance of their leaders, ensuring that the railway continues to drive socio-economic development, strengthen regional trade, and deliver benefits to both peoples.

Ambassador Chen concluded by honouring the Chinese experts who dedicated their lives to Tanzania’s progress, declaring that their contributions would remain immortal and the friendship between China and Tanzania, as well as the broader China-Africa partnership, would endure for generations.

In his remarks, Minister Patrobas Katambi reflected on the Qingming Festival as an opportunity to honour the courage, dedication, and sacrifices of Chinese professionals who worked on Tanzanian soil.

He emphasised that many gave their lives during the project, yet their legacy extends far beyond the railway tracks. The experts are remembered not only as skilled engineers and workers but also as enduring symbols of solidarity, friendship, and shared purpose between the peoples of Tanzania and China.

Minister Katambi stressed that TAZARA is more than a railway; it represents historic South-South cooperation at its finest. The railway stands as a testament to mutual respect, trust, and vision shared by both nations. At a time when Africa faced considerable geopolitical and economic challenges, China’s unwavering support enabled Tanzania and Zambia to achieve a feat that was both logistically complex and strategically significant.

TAZARA laid the foundation for an enduring and continually strengthening partnership between the two countries. Over the decades, ChinaTanzania cooperation has expanded across multiple sectors, including infrastructure, energy, trade and cultural exchange.

Yet, the spirit of this cooperation is most profoundly felt along the TAZARA tracks, where the sacrifices of the Chinese experts created a lasting symbol of friendship.

The heroes of TAZARA did more than construct railway tracks; they built bridges across nations, cultures, and generations, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire purposeful, inclusive, and transformative collaboration. The Minister called on all to honour this legacy through action: by safeguarding, modernising, and revitalising TAZARA’s infrastructure and by committing to projects that reflect the enduring cooperation and shared aspirations of both nations.

This year marked fifty years since TAZARA commenced commercial operations, a milestone inviting reflection and renewed determination. The recent advancement of the TAZARA revitalisation agenda, including the September 2025 concession agreement, underscores the shared commitment to restore the railway to its full potential, ensuring it continues to serve as a vital artery for regional trade and development.

Minister Katambi expressed Tanzania’s profound gratitude to the Government of China for its unwavering support, steadfast partnership, and commitment to sustainable development.

He reaffirmed that both countries would continue to honour this remarkable legacy, deepen bilateral relations, and ensure that TAZARA remains not only a symbol of past achievements but also a pillar of future prosperity. In paying tribute to the departed Chinese heroes, the Minister extended heartfelt wishes for eternal peace to their souls.