Government pledges full support to Chinese company in US$1.4bn TAZARA revitalization deal

The Zambian government has assured support to China Railway Construction Corporation Limited (CRCC), the parent company of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), in its role in revitalising the Tanzania–Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA).

On September 29, 2025, Zambia, China, and Tanzania signed a joint agreement to rehabilitate TAZARA infrastructure at a cost of US$1.4 billion.

The project included an initial investment of US$1.1 billion, with US$238 million earmarked for reinvestments.

According to a statement issued in Lusaka on Tuesday by Ministry of Transport and Logistics Principal Public Relations Officer Enerst Chanda, the scope of works will include rehabilitation of the track from Dar es Salaam to New Kapiri Mposhi and overhaul of major workshops.

The project will also cover maintenance of the existing line, alongside procurement of 34 new locomotives, 16 passenger coaches, and 760 wagons.

Speaking during a meeting with CRCC Chairperson, Dai Hegen, on Monday at the corporation’s headquarters, Minister of Transport and Logistics, Frank Tayali, pledged government’s full backing for the project.

“Zambians were anxious to see TAZARA revitalized and in turn derive economic benefits from the asset,” Tayali said.

He further commended CRCC for committing to use local labour and maintain a green construction model during implementation.

Meanwhile, Dai revealed that CRCC and its partners plan to establish industrial parks along the TAZARA corridor.

“CRCC also had interest to invest in other projects such as the Chipata–Serenje Railway Line and the Zambia Railways Kapiri Mposhi–Ndola Line,” he said.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.