Tanzania and Zambia are seeking private investors for the upgrade of the Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority (Tazara) to meet growing freight transport demands. Tanzanian Transport Minister Professor Makame Mbarawa announced plans to revise laws to facilitate public-private partnerships in railway operations. The initiative is part of a larger effort to enhance capacity and operational efficiency of the railway system linking several Southern African countries, supported in part by a memorandum of understanding with China.
Tanzania and Zambia are actively pursuing private investment for the enhancement of the Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority (Tazara), in response to the increasing demand for freight transportation within the Southern Corridor. Professor Makame Mbarawa, the Minister of Transport for Tanzania, articulated the government’s intention to amend existing laws and railway operational policies aimed at facilitating public-private partnerships in railway management, specifically for the expansive 1,860-kilometer Tazara line. This initiative is expected to significantly bolster cargo operations among key regional nations, namely Tanzania, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Angola, and Zimbabwe. Minister Mbarawa further indicated that the authorities are seeking partners who can supply both wagons and engines necessary for the railway’s upgrade. The refurbishment of Tazara holds critical importance for the Dar es Salaam port, the primary maritime gateway for several inland countries such as Zambia, Zimbabwe, and the DRC. In September, representatives from Tanzania, China, and Zambia formalized a memorandum of understanding aimed at enhancing Tazara’s operational capacity for the transport of goods and passengers. Currently, the Pretoria-based Rovos Rail functions as the sole private enterprise that operates luxury vintage train services along the Tazara route connecting Cape Town in South Africa to Dar es Salaam. Notably, Rovos Rail has also incorporated the Lobito route in Angola into its annual travel circuit, which additionally includes destinations in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Tanzania, along with Lubumbashi in the DRC via the Benguela Railway.
The Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority (Tazara) is a critical railway system linking Tanzania and Zambia, essential for regional freight and passenger transport. Established in the 1970s with support from China, Tazara facilitates trade among various Southern African countries. Recently, there has been a surge in freight demand, prompting both Tanzanian and Zambian governments to explore the potential of public-private partnerships (PPPs) to enhance railway operations. The involvement of private stakeholders is viewed as a viable solution to improve operational efficiency and expand capacity. Given the strategic importance of the railway for regional connectivity and commerce, modernization efforts are necessary to stimulate economic growth in the encompassing areas.
In conclusion, Tanzania and Zambia’s initiative to attract private investors for the Tazara railway upgrade reflects a proactive approach to modernizing critical transport infrastructure, addressing the rising freight transport demand. Collaboration with private entities is expected to enhance the railway’s capabilities, thereby improving connections among several Southern African nations. This move not only aims to boost cargo business but also plays a crucial role in regional economic integration and development.
Original Source: www.theeastafrican.co.ke
