TAZARA Railway: Testimony of China sacrifice to Tanzania

DURING this year’s Qingming Festival, a moving ceremony took place at the Chinese Experts Cemetery in Tanzania. Here, Chargé d’Affaires Wang Yong led a team from the Chinese Embassy and other Chinese communities in Tanzania to pay tribute to those who lost their lives building the railway. This year holds special significance as it marks the 50th anniversary of the completion of the railway, a project that remains a powerful symbol of China-Tanzania friendship, sacrifice, and hope for the future.

To understand its importance, we must look back over 50 years. In the 1960s, Zambia found itself cut off from its only export route due to the apartheid regimes in South Africa and Southern Rhodesia. In response, China stepped in with a monumental plan to build a railway linking Dar es Salaam in Tanzania to Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia.

The project, known as TAZARA (Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority), was a massive undertaking, spanning 1,860 kilometres about the distance from New York to Miami but with far more mosquitoes and less leisure time.

Over 50,000 Chinese workers travelled to Africa to take part in the construction, facing immense challenges. They were joined by local Tanzanian and Zambian workers, working together to build what would come to be known as the “Uhuru Railway” or “Railway of Friendship.” Tragically, 70 Chinese workers lost their lives during the project. Their sacrifices are honoured and remembered to this day, woven into the very tracks of the TAZARA Railway.

Mr Wang, speaking at the cemetery, acknowledged the significance of the anniversary. “This year, we’re not just marking the railway’s completion; we’re remembering the spirit of cooperation, resilience, and sacrifice that made it possible,” he said, reflecting on the deep bond formed during its construction.

The railway became more than just a transport route. It was a vital lifeline for Zambia, allowing it to export its copper, while also facilitating future collaboration between China and Tanzania. Wang highlighted its broader significance, noting, “The project became an important economic artery for Tanzania, Zambia, and surrounding regions. It transported over 30 million tonnes of freight and more than 40 million passengers.”

The railway also laid the foundation for continued cooperation between China and Tanzania, with China now being Tanzania’s largest trading partner and a significant source of foreign investment. Chinese companies are behind major infrastructure projects in Tanzania, including the Central Standard Gauge Railway and the Magufuli Bridge. Mr Wang humorously remarked, “TAZARA was just the beginning – now we’re building bridges, hydropower stations, and libraries.”

In his speech, Mr Wang shared a quote from Tanzania’s first president, Julius Nyerere, who praised the TAZARA Railway for its unique purpose: “When foreign powers built railways in Africa, it was to plunder the continent’s resources. The Chinese, however, built the railway to help us grow our economy.” This, according to Mr Wang is the essence of China-Africa relations—a mutually respectful partnership, not exploitation.

Fast forward to 2013, when President Xi Jinping visited Tanzania on his first overseas trip. He paid his respects to the fallen workers at the Chinese Experts Cemetery and called for the TAZARA spirit to live on. “We must carry forward the TAZARA spirit,” he declared, emphasising the values of mutual respect, equality, perseverance, and international cooperation. This “spirit” continues to fuel China-Africa relations today.

President Xi’s 2013 visit also introduced China’s Africa policy, which emphasises sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith. This approach became the foundation for modern China-Africa relations. In 2024, during the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), a new chapter in the TAZARA Railway’s story was written.

Presidents Xi Jinping, Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, and Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia signed a memorandum of understanding to revitalize the railway, with investments of over USD 1.4 billion in infrastructure and rolling stock. This project aims to ensure the railway continues to serve as a vital lifeline for the region.

As Wang concluded, “The railway has stood the test of time. It’s more than just a transportation network. It’s a symbol of what nations can achieve when they work together in the spirit of friendship, mutual respect, and shared benefit.”

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Chinese investment in Tanzania remains significant. Projects like the Nyerere Bridge, East Africa’s first steel cable-stayed bridge, and the East Africa Commercial and Logistics Centre are ongoing. “These projects aren’t just about building things; they’re about building a future,” Wang said, adding with a smile, “And making sure there’s a bridge that won’t collapse the next time you drive over it.”

On his part, Tanzania’s Deputy Minister for Transport Dr David Kihenzile, also spoke at the ceremony. He reflected on the historical importance of TAZARA and recalled how Tanzania’s President Nyerere and Zambia’s President Kaunda approached Chairman Mao Zedong for help in constructing the railway. “This project wasn’t just about building a line; it was about building a bridge of hope and opportunity for Zambia,” Dr Kihenzile noted.

He also emphasised the scale of the effort, with 38,000 Tanzanian and Zambian workers and 13,500 Chinese engineers involved in the project. “Over 160 workers, including 64 Chinese nationals, lost their lives during construction,” he said. “Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

The ceremony also served as a reminder of the railway’s future. The Chinese government continues to support the TAZARA Railway with interest-free loans and infrastructure investments. Dr Kihenzile remarked, “The revival of TAZARA is a fitting tribute to the heroes who made it possible. It’s a testament to what genuine friendship can achieve.”

As the project’s legacy continues to evolve, TAZARA Chief Executive Officer Bruno Ching’andu described the occasion as both a moment of remembrance and renewal. “Let today be not only a moment of remembrance but also a moment of renewal. Together, we will strengthen the TAZARA Railway, deepen our partnerships, and build a future worthy of the sacrifices made by so many,” he said.

Reflecting on the ongoing revitalisation, Ching’andu highlighted the impact of TAZARA’s renewal. “As we modernise and invest in the railway, we are also renewing the hope of millions of people who rely on it,” he said. “The revival of TAZARA isn’t just about trains; it’s about trade, prosperity, and, most importantly, people.”

Ching’andu also praised the visionary leaders who made the construction of TAZARA possible: Mao Zedong of China, Julius Nyerere of Tanzania, and Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia. “These leaders took a bold step, defying Western powers that had said no to the project. They didn’t just build a railway; they built a lasting bond between our nations,” he stated.

As TAZARA’s legacy moves forward, it stands as a testament to the power of international cooperation. The spirit of sacrifice, friendship, and hope will continue to guide the railway and the enduring relationship between China, Tanzania, and Zambia for generations to come.