TAZARA revitalisation launch; a depiction of an enduring Zambia, Tanzania, China partnership

Zambia, Tanzania and China have launched the revitilisation of the Tanzania Zambia Railway (TAZARA) rail line, with President Hakainde Hichilema saying the asset is a symbol of friendship among the three countries.

The TAZARA revitilisation launch was held at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka today.

President Hichilema, Premier of China Li Qiang and Tanzania’s Vice-President Emmanuel John Nchimbi unveiled the plaque, to signify the start of the revitilisation of the rail line.

The President said Zambians, Tanzanians and Chinese related, way back, and built TAZARA, an asset of great significance for trade and investment.

“TAZARA has now become a visible symbol of this great enduring partnership.

“TAZARA is a symbol of the enduring partnership between Zambia, Tanzania and China. Who would walk away from this path that was carved for us? Nobody. It is our duty to deepen this partnership. TAZARA was important then and important today, if not more important today than ever before,” President Hichilema said.

The head of State said 2023 was extremely important in the partnership of Zambia and China, as the two countries entered a comprehensive, strategic and cooperative partnership.

President Hichilema said TAZARA is not just a rail line but an economic corridor to use in the delivery of imports and exports between Tanzania and Zambia on one side and China on the other.

“We want to thank President Xi Jinping for China’s decision to open its vast market for Zambian and Tanzanian goods, especially now when global trade is fragile.

“This is the way to go. This is a great day for all of us. This is how an enduring partnership looks like. Thank you to our three peoples,” the President said.

To the communities where the 1,860 kilometres rail line passes, President Hichilema said: “this is your asset.”

“Look after it from Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia all the way up to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania,” he said.

Mr Li said the TAZARA rail line is a signature project of China – Africa cooperation and China is ready to work with Zambia and Tanzania to revive the rail line and provide more momentum for the development of Zambia, Tanzania and the entire Africa.

The premier said the Chinese government will work with the Zambian and Tanzanian governments to provide necessary support for the revitilisation of TAZARA.

“We hope that companies and personnel from all the three countries who will participate in the revitilisation project will stay committed to high standards and high quality as they deliver on the implementation work.

“China is also ready to assist Zambia and Tanzania in building the TAZARA prosperity belt. China stands ready to work with Zambia and Tanzania to take the revitilisation of the railway as an opportunity to strengthen infrastructure connectivity,” Mr Li said.

Mr Li added that looking into the future, China – Africa cooperation enjoys vast prospects and China is ready to work with Zambia, Tanzania and other developing countries to carry forward the TAZARA spirit and deliver on the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing summit.

Vice-President Nchimbi said revitilisation of TAZARA is not just an upgrade of infrastructure but a renewal of a sacred commitment.

“A revitilised TAZARA will strengthen the central and southern corridors. As TAZARA expands, Tanzania is equally modernising its port system.

“If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go with others. Today Tanzania chooses to go far with Zambia and China,” he said.