‘TAZARA revival to spur economic transformation’
NJOMBE: REVIVAL of the Tanzania – Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) and the proposed construction of the Southern Railway (Mtwara–Mbamba Bay) will be key drivers of economic transformation in Tanzania’s Southern High lands and Southern regions, CCM Vice-Chairperson (Mainland) Stephen Wasira has said.
Speaking recently to CCM leaders from 37 wards across three constituencies in Njombe District, Mr Wasira said the projects, featured in the party’s 2025–2030 Election Manifesto, alongside agricultural sector reforms, will significantly uplift farmers and rural communities, particularly in Njombe Region.
“President Samia Suluhu Hassan has signed an agreement with China to revive the TAZARA railway, which passes through Makambako. This will connect the region to Songwe International Airport and Dar es Salaam Port, a vision rooted in the leadership of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere to ensure agricultural produce reaches export markets efficiently,” said Mr Wasira.
He further noted the construction of another railway line from Mtwara to Mbamba Bay, which will link to Liganga’s iron and Nchuchuma’s coal reserves via Ludewa, to facilitate efficient transportation of minerals.
“You can’t transport iron by lorry. It must go by rail. The line will connect Ludewa to Mtwara Port and eventually link with the national rail system,” he said.
Mr Wasira said that improved transport infrastructure will enable farmers to access markets more easily, reduce post-harvest losses and improve livelihoods.
“You grow avocados, potatoes, maize, tea and timber. Njombe is a major producer of timber. The party manifesto clearly states that to ensure better prices for farmers, we must add value to agricultural products. Instead of exporting raw maize to Zambia, we should sell processed flour,” he explained.
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Tanzania, Zambia and China signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the revitalisation of TAZARA during the 2024 Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing. The agreement follows China’s proposal to invest 1billion US dollars in the project.
In June this year, TAZ- ARA Chief Executive Officer Bruno Ching’andu confirmed at the Zambia International Mining and Energy Conference (ZIMEC 2025) in Kitwe that China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) will invest 1.4 billion US dollars in the railway under a 30-year concession arrangement currently under negotiation.
Mr Wasira further said agro-processing would not only create jobs for youth but also support other sectors such as livestock through the use of crop by-products.
“By processing maize locally, the residues can be used for animal feed and youth can be employed in agro-rocessing industries.”
He affirmed that CCM’s manifesto directs leaders to support value addition, promote agro industrial development and create better market conditions for farmers.
“Njombe is an agricultural region. The manifesto directly responds to farmers’ concerns. We will continue to provide subsidised inputs and this time, the subsidies will be delivered on time.”
Mr Wasira, a veteran politician with a long history in the agricultural sector, added: “I’ve dedicated my life to agriculture. I served as Agriculture Minister under Presidents Nyerere, Mwinyi and Kikwete. As Vice Chair of this party, I bring that experience. I also participated in drafting this manifesto, my ideas are part of it.”
He acknowledged that while poverty persists in farming communities, Njombe is relatively better off due to its diverse crop production. However, CCM remains commit- ted to supporting farmers and improving rural livelihoods.
