Tanzania and Zambia are pursuing private investment to upgrade the Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority (Tazara) due to rising freight transport demands. The initiative involves reviewing legal and operational frameworks to foster public-private partnerships, with specific needs for wagons and engines. Support from China and a memorandum of understanding signed in September aim to enhance the railway’s capacity, which is crucial for the Dar es Salaam port and regional connectivity.
The governments of Tanzania and Zambia are actively seeking private investors to facilitate the upgrade of the Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority (Tazara) in response to an increasing demand for freight transport within the Southern Corridor. Tanzania’s Transport Minister, Professor Makame Mbarawa, articulated the government’s commitment to reassessing existing laws and railway operating policies to encourage public-private partnerships. This initiative encompasses the operation of the Tazara line, which spans 1,860 kilometers and serves as a vital transport link between Tanzania, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Angola, and Zimbabwe. The Minister emphasized the need for partners to supply wagons and locomotives to enhance the cargo business along this crucial transport corridor. The proposed refurbishment of the Tazara line is significantly supported by funding from China and is expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing the operational capacity of the Dar es Salaam port, a key transit point for Zambia, Zimbabwe, and the DRC. In September, Tanzania, China, and Zambia solidified their collaboration by signing a memorandum of understanding aimed at upgrading Tazara to improve its capabilities in transporting goods and passengers. Notably, Pretoria-based Rovos Rail has been the sole private company operating a luxury tourist train along the Tazara route connecting Cape Town, South Africa, to Dar es Salaam. Recently, Rovos Rail expanded its annual itinerary to include the Lobito route in Angola, servicing South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Tanzania, as well as Lubumbashi in the DRC via the Benguela Railway.
The Tazara railway, inaugurated in the 1970s, was constructed with the primary aim of facilitating trade and accessibility between landlocked Zambia and the Tanzanian port of Dar es Salaam. Over the years, the railway has faced various operational challenges, resulting in decreased efficiency and reliability. However, with the growing demand for freight transportation, both Tanzania and Zambia recognize the necessity to revitalize this transportation infrastructure. By inviting private investors to provide the necessary resources and support, the governments aim to modernize Tazara and restore its status as a critical transport artery in the region.
In conclusion, the joint initiative by Tanzania and Zambia to engage private investors for the Tazara railway upgrade is a proactive step towards enhancing regional trade and transport efficiency. The commitment of both governments, alongside support from international partners such as China, signals a transformative period for the Tazara railway, which is essential for connecting multiple nations and facilitating economic growth in the Southern Corridor. Integrating private sector expertise and resources will be key to restoring the full potential of this vital railway network.
Original Source: www.theeastafrican.co.ke
