The long-awaited revitalisation of the Tanzania–Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) has entered an active implementation phase, with its strategic partner now mobilising financial resources, technical expertise, and equipment to restore the vital regional transport corridor.
TAZARA management confirmed that the project has moved beyond planning and negotiations into concrete action, marking a significant milestone in efforts to revive the railway, which has suffered years of underinvestment, ageing infrastructure, and declining operational capacity.
According to officials, the partner’s mobilisation includes securing capital, assembling technical teams, and preparing rehabilitation works aimed at improving track conditions, locomotives, wagons, and overall operational efficiency. These efforts are expected to stabilise railway operations in the short term while laying the foundation for long-term sustainability.
The revitalisation programme is part of a broader strategy by the governments of Tanzania and Zambia to restore TAZARA’s role as a critical transport link for trade, particularly for landlocked Zambia and the southern African region. Once fully rehabilitated, the railway is expected to reduce transport costs, ease pressure on road networks, and boost the movement of bulk cargo such as minerals, fuel, fertiliser, and agricultural produce.
TAZARA officials noted that the active phase will also focus on improving safety standards, upgrading signalling systems, and enhancing staff capacity through training and skills transfer from the strategic partner. These measures are intended to address persistent operational challenges that have limited the railway’s competitiveness compared to road transport.
The revival of TAZARA is also seen as a key driver of economic growth, with potential benefits extending to job creation, regional integration, and increased efficiency at the Port of Dar es Salaam, which serves as the railway’s main maritime gateway.
While timelines for full completion have not been publicly detailed, authorities expressed confidence that the mobilisation of resources signals strong commitment from all parties involved. Stakeholders will be closely watching progress as the project advances from preparation to visible rehabilitation works along the rail corridor.
If successfully implemented, the revitalisation is expected to restore TAZARA’s strategic importance in East and Southern Africa, strengthening trade links and reinforcing Tanzania’s position as a regional logistics hub.
