DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania – Tanzania has unveiled an ambitious plan to transform the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) into Southern Africa’s premier trade and logistics corridor, reinforcing its strategic role in facilitating regional trade and improving connectivity across the continent.
The announcement was made during the TAZARA 50th Golden Jubilee Gala Dinner in Dar es Salaam, where government officials and stakeholders from Tanzania, Zambia and China commemorated five decades of the historic railway while outlining a renewed vision for its future.
The modernisation programme is expected to strengthen regional supply chains, improve cargo movement and enhance export competitiveness for land-linked and coastal economies across Southern and Eastern Africa.
Revitalising a Strategic Railway
Speaking at the anniversary celebrations, Tanzania’s Minister for Transport, Prof. Makame Mbarawa, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to revitalising the railway and positioning it as a key driver of regional economic integration.
Originally built with Chinese support, TAZARA links the Port of Dar es Salaam to Zambia, providing a vital transport route for exports, imports and transit cargo moving between Southern Africa and international markets.
The railway has long served as an important logistics corridor for Zambia and neighbouring countries seeking efficient access to global trade routes through the Indian Ocean.
Supporting Regional Trade and Exports
The planned transformation of TAZARA aligns with broader efforts by African governments to strengthen cross-border transport infrastructure and reduce logistics costs under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
An upgraded railway is expected to improve the movement of key export commodities including copper, cobalt, agricultural products and manufactured goods, while reducing dependence on road transport.
Improved rail connectivity could also increase cargo volumes through the Port of Dar es Salaam, reinforcing Tanzania’s position as a regional logistics and maritime gateway.
Strengthening Regional Connectivity
The revitalisation strategy reflects growing recognition that efficient transport infrastructure is essential for expanding intra-African trade and attracting investment.
Modern rail systems can significantly reduce transport costs, improve delivery times and enhance the competitiveness of African exporters in regional and international markets.
For land-linked countries such as Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), improved access to seaports is expected to facilitate mineral exports and support industrial development.
A Shared Vision with Regional Partners
The Golden Jubilee celebrations brought together representatives from Tanzania, Zambia and China, highlighting the longstanding partnership behind the railway’s development and its continued strategic importance.
Stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to modernising TAZARA to meet the evolving demands of regional trade while supporting economic growth across Southern Africa.
The initiative is expected to encourage greater public and private sector investment in rail infrastructure, logistics services and trade facilitation.
Outlook for African Trade
As African countries continue investing in transport corridors, ports and rail networks, infrastructure projects such as TAZARA are expected to play an increasingly important role in supporting regional integration.
A modernised TAZARA could strengthen supply chains, improve export efficiency and expand market access for businesses across Southern and Eastern Africa.
By enhancing one of the continent’s most important rail corridors, Tanzania and Zambia are positioning TAZARA as a strategic asset capable of supporting Africa’s industrialisation agenda and boosting intra-African trade for decades to come.