China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) has described the TAZARA revitalisation project as a landmark initiative of high quality, following the official groundbreaking ceremony. The revitalisation comes after the Zambian government signed a $1.4 billion concession agreement with the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) to restore and upgrade the TAZARA Railway.
CRCC Group Chairman Dai Hegen met President Hakainde Hichilema at State House on Tuesday, affirming Zambia as one of the corporation’s most important overseas markets. He expressed gratitude to the President for his personal support and oversight of the TAZARA project, noting that government ministers have been actively involved since the signing of the memorandum of understanding last year.
“The TAZARA Railway is critical to regional connectivity, trade, and industrial growth. We are committed to delivering a project that meets the highest international standards and benefits both Zambia and Tanzania,” said Mr. Dai.
The revitalisation project aims to modernize railway infrastructure, improve operational efficiency, and enhance cargo and passenger services. It is expected to boost trade flows, reduce transportation costs, and create employment opportunities across the Copperbelt and southern Tanzania.
Government officials have emphasized that the project aligns with Zambia’s broader industrialisation and regional integration strategies, positioning TAZARA as a key transport corridor in Southern Africa. The collaboration with CRCC and CCECC demonstrates Zambia’s commitment to leveraging foreign investment and technical expertise to drive sustainable infrastructure development.
The TAZARA revitalisation is anticipated to strengthen Zambia’s transport sector, stimulate economic growth, and reinforce the railway’s strategic role in supporting regional trade and industrialisation initiatives.