China is set to invest over US$1 billion to refurbish the Tazara railway, which has fallen into disrepair with only a fraction of its locomotives operational. This move is largely interpreted as a counteraction to US-led railway projects in Africa, aimed at securing mineral exports amid intensifying global competition.

China is poised to revitalize the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (Tazara) with a significant investment of over US$1 billion aimed at refurbishing this critical transport link, which has served as a vital artery in fostering economic ties between Africa and China since its establishment in the 1970s. Once a symbol of the enduring friendship between the nations, Tazara has unfortunately suffered from years of neglect, leading to its underutilization, with only 10 out of its 50 operational locomotives currently in use. This revitalization effort comes amid a competitive landscape for railway infrastructure development in Africa, as both the United States and the European Union advance their own projects to secure access to essential minerals that are vital for electric vehicle battery production. This funding initiative by China is viewed as a strategic response to the US’s recent announcement regarding its support for the Lobito Corridor, which aims to enhance connectivity between Angola and Zambia through the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In this environment of heightened competition, it is evident that China seeks to restore Tazara to its former glory not only to enhance economic cooperation but also to facilitate the transportation of minerals from Zambia and the DRC to global markets.

The Tanzania-Zambia Railway, known as Tazara, was constructed in the early 1970s with the intention of providing landlocked Zambia access to the seaport of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. This project was funded and built largely through Chinese investment and labor, symbolizing the solidarity between China and African nations during a period of Cold War geopolitics. Despite its historical significance and the sacrifices made during its construction, Tazara has not aged well. Due to insufficient maintenance and lack of operational funding over the years, its efficiency has declined dramatically. The current Indian government acknowledges that restoring this railway is vital not just for its economic implications but also as a testament to China-Africa relations.

In summary, China’s commitment of US$1 billion to refurbish the Tazara railway underscores the country’s intent to maintain its influence in Africa’s economy, particularly in the context of increasing competition from Western nations aiming to assert their presence in the same sector. The revitalization of this railway line reflects a broader strategy to enhance mining exports from the region while reaffirming the historical bonds forged through its construction. The outcome of this initiative is likely to have significant implications for trade dynamics and geopolitical relations in Africa.

Original Source: www.scmp.com

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