Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema and Chinese Premier Li Qiang Officially Launch TAZARA Upgrade
On 20 November 2025, President Hakainde Hichilema and Chinese Premier Li Qiang officially kicked off the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (#TAZARA) Revitalization project in the Zambian capital, Lusaka. The Project is expected to cost around USD 1.4 billion. Other than upgrading the railway line, the Project will involve the supply of rolling stock by China.
The Project is expected to be completed in three years by the end of 2028. The upgraded railway would be able to carry 2.4 million tonnes of freight annually, compared to just half a million tonnes currently. The main function is to transport the copper from the #Copperbelt region in Zambia and DR Congo to the seaport of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. Zambia is the 2nd largest copper producer in Africa, behind the DRC.
“We don’t see TAZARA as just a rail line… we see TAZARA as an economic corridor… We understand the significance of TAZARA in terms of opening up Zambia and the region to the world… Zambia is also well-positioned to carry out local value addition (#LVA). “
Zambia President Hakainde Hichilema
At the same time, China, Tanzania, and Zambia released a joint communique on TAZARA. The communique upheld the spirit which animated the original #UhuruRailway, the other name by which TAZARA is known. It highlighted that #TAZARA will adhere to the principles of green and inclusive development to realize a ‘Prosperity Belt.’ China also plans to partner with Zambia to implement several ‘small, yet beautiful’ people-centered projects to address poverty alleviation and foster community involvement.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang was on an official state visit to Zambia. China is the largest trading partner of Zambia. Bilateral trade volume reached nearly USD 7 billion in 2024, with Zambian #copper exports to China making up the largest slice of the pie at USD 2.3 billion. China is also the largest foreign creditor with a tab of nearly USD 6 billion.
During this state visit, Zambia and China signed several agreements, including:
- Customs cooperation to facilitate trade and iron out barriers
- Health cooperation for cleft lip and palate surgery
- Media cooperation between Zambia News and Information Service and New China (Xinhua) News Service
- Training exchange program between the University of Zambia and the China Media Group
- Food Security to build a mealie-maize plant
- Visa Exemption for diplomatic passport holders and high-level government officials
- Upgraded BRI Cooperation Plan
After defaulting on loans, some media pushed the cautionary tale of ‘debt trap diplomacy by China.’ After restructuring its loan, Zambia has found back its footing and has turned the page on this episode. On the other hand, China is keen to present Zambia as a successful partner in its Belt and Road Initiative (#BRI).
After Zambia, Chinese Premier Li Qiang will fly to South Africa to attend the #G20 Summit. The restructuring of the Global Finance Architecture (#GFA) is one of the key items on the agenda as the #GlobalSouth, in general, and Africa, in particular, seeks to rewrite the rules of sovereign rating and risk assessment which are not conducive to their economic take-off.