China has finalized a $1.4 billion agreement with Zambia and Tanzania to revitalize the Tanzania–Zambia Railway (TAZARA), a critical 1,860-kilometer transport corridor originally built in the 1970s with Chinese support. The railway connects Zambia’s mineral-rich Copperbelt region to the port of Dar es Salaam, serving as a lifeline for copper and cobalt exports from both Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Over the decades, the line has deteriorated, struggling to accommodate rising cargo volumes and contributing to congestion at border crossings and overreliance on road transport, which has strained regional infrastructure.
Under the terms of the deal, the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) will assume a 30-year concession to manage the railway’s reconstruction and operations. The first phase, spanning three years, will focus on upgrading tracks and restoring the line’s transport capacity. Subsequent phases will involve the procurement and maintenance of rolling stock, including 32 new locomotives, 762 wagons, and passenger coaches. The project also includes the development of modern workshops, advanced signaling systems, and comprehensive staff training programs to ensure long-term efficiency and safety.
This strategic investment positions China as a dominant force in Africa’s mineral logistics network, reinforcing its role in securing global supply chains essential for the energy transition. The TAZARA upgrade offers landlocked producers a reliable alternative to South Africa’s congested ports and border bottlenecks, while also countering rival infrastructure initiatives. The United States and European Union have invested in the Lobito Corridor, which connects the Copperbelt to the Atlantic coast via Angola, and Japan has pledged $7 billion to develop the Nacala Corridor in Southern Africa. China’s move underscores its commitment to deepening economic ties with Africa and expanding its influence in the continent’s resource-driven development landscape.
Beyond economic implications, the railway modernization is expected to boost regional integration, enhance trade efficiency, and create employment opportunities across both Zambia and Tanzania. By breathing new life into one of Africa’s most iconic transport arteries, the deal marks a significant step toward transforming the continent’s infrastructure and unlocking its vast mineral potential.