China Commits $1 Billion to Revitalize Tanzania-Zambia Railway
On Wednesday, Chinese media reported that a significant agreement has been inked among China, Tanzania, and Zambia to rehabilitate the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA), representing an investment of $1 billion. This initiative is intended to enhance the rail-sea transportation network in the economically vibrant region of East Africa.
This agreement was signed during a notable occasion wherein President Xi Jinping of China was present, alongside the presidents of Tanzania and Zambia, who were attending the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing. TAZARA, which spans 1,860 kilometers, was originally constructed between 1970 and 1975 through an interest-free loan provided by China, offering a crucial cargo transport route from Zambia’s mines to the Tanzanian coastline, thereby circumventing the challenges posed by South Africa and Rhodesia. The commercial operations of this railway commenced in 1976, despite being criticized by various Western nations at the time as the “bamboo railway.” This monumental project involved the labor of thousands of workers from both China and Africa, who constructed extensive tunnels and bridges.
During this summit, President Xi Jinping expressed China’s commitment to advancing the revitalization of the railway system. He articulated the desire for enhanced cooperation to improve the rail-sea intermodal transport network in East Africa and to assist in transforming Tanzania into a model for the deepening of high-quality China-Africa Belt and Road cooperation, as conveyed through state media reports.
In a broader context, earlier this year, the World Bank sanctioned $270 million aimed at enhancing the connectivity between Tanzania and Zambia, thereby promoting regional trade. Furthermore, in February, China proposed the allocation of $1 billion for the railway’s refurbishment, utilizing a public-private partnership approach. President Xi is set to inaugurate the ninth Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit on Thursday, where he is anticipated to encourage African leaders present in Beijing to increase their absorption of Chinese products in exchange for financial commitments concerning loans and investments. Notably, China approved loans amounting to $4.61 billion to Africa last year—marking the first annual increase since 2016. This strategic partnership underscores China’s continued engagement in enhancing infrastructure and connectivity within the African continent, as reported by authoritative sources including Reuters.
Post Comment