On September 4, a significant agreement was reached between China, Tanzania, and Zambia aimed at revitalizing the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority to enhance rail and sea transportation in East Africa. This initiative aligns with China’s proposal made in February to invest $1 billion in modernizing the antiquated 1,156-mile railway through a public-private partnership. The original construction, completed between 1970 and 1975, was an effort undertaken by Chinese and African laborers and financed by a favorable interest-free loan from China. Currently, this railway facilitates the transport of cargo from Zambia’s extensive copper and cobalt mines to the Tanzanian coast.

At the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, held on September 5, President Xi Jinping underscored the importance of enhancing China-Africa relations and expressed commitment toward collaborative modernization efforts. Attendees included Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, who were acknowledged by state media, notably Xinhua. President Xi articulated his vision for advancing the revitalization of the Tanzania-Zambia railway, aiming to optimize the rail-sea intermodal transport network and transform Tanzania into a benchmark for quality cooperation under the China-Africa Belt and Road Initiative.

Additionally, President Xi’s keynote speech highlighted China’s willingness to engage in cooperative ventures with Africa across various domains including talent development, poverty alleviation, and employment generation. The Minister of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China further outlined that the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, established in 2000, fosters governance exchanges and enhances trade relations, which are critical for both regions’ aspirations toward equitable modernization. Furthermore, President Xi announced plans to implement thirty infrastructure connectivity projects across Africa, thereby reinforcing China’s commitment to the Belt and Road Initiative, which was launched in 2013.

In conclusion, the revitalization of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority represents a strategic effort to boost regional connectivity and facilitate further development in East Africa. This partnership exemplifies China’s ongoing commitment to fostering fruitful relationships with African nations, thereby contributing to mutual growth and prosperity in the region.

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