China, Zambia, Tanzania Finally Sign TAZARA Rehabilitation Project
After more than a year of negotiations, China, Zambia and Tanzania finally put pen to paper to ink the contract to rehabilitate the Tanzania – Zambia Railway (TAZARA) in Beijing on 29 September 2025. The #TAZARA is also known locally as the Uhuru Railway, or the Freedom Railway, when it was put into service in the 1970s. It allowed #copper to be transported to the seaport of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, rather than having to go through the seaport of Durban in South Africa, which was then under the Apartheid regime.
On the sidelines of #FOCAC2024 in Beijing in September 2024, the three countries had already signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to agree in principle to the rehabilitation of the TAZARA, pending discussions over modalities. At that time, the signature was witnessed by Chinese President Xi, Zambian President Hichilema, and Tanzanian President Hassan.
According to the statement released by the Zambian Ministry of Transport, the Project is estimated to cost USD 1.4 billion. The rehabilitation works will cover the rail track from Dar es Salaam to Kapiri Mposhi. The deal also includes the sourcing from China of 34 locomotives, 16 passenger coaches and 760 freight wagons.
At the signing ceremony, Zambian Minister of Transport Frank Tayali underscored that the revitalization of TAZARA is more than just the restoration of a railway line: it is about reigniting the vision for regional integration, economic growth, and shared prosperity. The railway line will give traders, farmers, and manufacturers an economic lifeline to regional markets and also act as a passageway to international markets.
Tanzania Minister of Transport Makame Mbarawa highlighted the positive economic impact of the Project, especially its potential to create opportunities for young entrepreneurs and women empowerment. Mbarawa positioned TAZARA as one of the key #EconomicCorridors in the transport network of the #SADC region.
On the other hand, China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) Chairman DAI Hegen recalled his company’s experience in delivering rail projects in Africa. It is worth noting that CRCC was originally the main contractor to construct TAZARA between 1970 and 1976 and thus, CRCC is quite familiar with the project. Under the new agreement, the subsidiary of CRCC called China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) will get a 30-year concession to operate TAZARA.
Today, copper and other #CriticalMinerals are in high demand as Data Centers and Electric Vehicles (#EV) are propelling the #AI race and accelerating the #EnergyTransition. Therefore, TAZARA will facilitate the access and promote the development of the mining sector by lowering transport costs and cutting down transit times. The upgrade of the 1,850-km railway line is expected to take at least three years.