Tanzania and Zambia Seek Private Investment for Tazara Railway Enhancement

Tanzania and Zambia are seeking private investors for the Tazara railway to enhance freight transport along the Southern Corridor. The Tanzanian government is reviewing laws for public-private partnerships and aims to boost transport operations. The upgrade, partially funded by China, is crucial for the Dar es Salaam port’s role as a gateway to regional markets.

Tanzania and Zambia are actively pursuing private investors to enhance the Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority (Tazara) amidst a rising need for freight transport along the Southern Corridor. Professor Makame Mbarawa, the Minister of Transport for Tanzania, stated that the government is currently analyzing existing laws and railway operational policies to facilitate public-private partnerships for railway operations, which includes the extensive 1,860-kilometer Tazara line. This initiative aims to augment the cargo transportation capabilities within a corridor connecting Tanzania, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Angola, and Zimbabwe. Professor Mbarawa further mentioned the search for partners who can supply wagons and locomotives. The ongoing modernization of Tazara, with significant funding from China, is vital for the Dar es Salaam port, which serves as a major access point for Zambia, Zimbabwe, and the DRC. In September, a memorandum of understanding was signed among Tanzania, China, and Zambia to upgrade Tazara, thereby increasing its capacity for both goods and passenger transport. Currently, Rovos Rail, a South Africa-based private company, is the only operator running luxury tourist trains on the Tazara line, enhancing tourism and transport connectivity. Rovos Rail has expanded its routes to include Lobito in Angola, thus enriching its annual service that covers South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Tanzania, as well as Lubumbashi in the DRC via the Benguela Railway.

The Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority (Tazara) is a crucial railway line that connects several southern African nations, facilitating the movement of goods and people across borders. In recent years, there has been an increased demand for cargo transport within this corridor, prompting both Tanzania and Zambia to seek private investment for the railway’s refurbishment and operational enhancement. Given the geographical significance of the Dar es Salaam port, enhancing Tazara’s infrastructure and capacity is essential for regional trade and connectivity. Collaborative efforts, including funding from China and partnerships with private entities, are seen as key strategies to modernize this vital transport corridor and drive economic growth in the region.

In summary, Tanzania and Zambia are embarking on a significant endeavor to upgrade the Tazara railway through private investment, addressing the burgeoning demand for freight services along the Southern Corridor. The collaboration with Chinese funding and the pursuit of public-private partnerships signals a commitment to revitalizing transport infrastructure that is indispensable for economic interconnectivity and regional development. With the involvement of established entities such as Rovos Rail, the Tazara upgrade is poised to enhance both cargo and passenger transport capabilities significantly.

Original Source: www.theeastafrican.co.ke