Tanzania urges Zambia to adopt standard gauge rail system as Kabuswe calls for joint ventures

Tanzania’s Deputy Minister of Minerals, Dr Steven Kiruswa, has urged Zambia and other countries in the region to emulate his country’s railway transformation model, particularly its standard gauge rail system.

Speaking during a panel discussion at the 13th edition of the Zambia International Mining and Energy Conference (ZIMEC) in Kitwe on Wednesday, Kiruswa said Tanzania’s adoption of the standard gauge system has significantly improved train speeds and overall transport efficiency.

“Zambia and Tanzania has long history which can be used to develop joint infrastructure that can promote economic integration and I [am] hoping that the revamped Tanzania-Zambia Railways (TAZARA) will emulate the standard gauge that has connected Tanzania to Uganda among others,” he said.

Kiruswa said there was an urgent need for joint road and rail infrastructure to support trade between the two countries. He noted that while Zambia was exporting fertilizer needed in Tanzania, poor transport systems remained a major hindrance.

Read more: Hichilema says Zambia, China, Tanzania to sign TAZARA revitalisation deal, as Premier Li Qiang visits

Speaking on the same panel, Zambia’s Minister of Mines and Mineral Development, Paul Kabuswe, warned that Zambia’s three million-tonne annual production target for minerals would pose serious transport and logistics challenges without new investments in shared infrastructure.

Kabuswe said the planned revitalisation of TAZARA and the development of the Lobito Corridor would help address the anticipated surge in transport demand resulting from increased mineral output.

“I agree on the need for joint transport and energy infrastructure among others which will go a long way in preparing for the future,” he said.

He added that Zambia had previously struggled during power deficits because it lacked an electricity interconnector with Tanzania—an issue now being addressed through ongoing projects.

The two-day ZIMEC conference has attracted more than 600 delegates from over 20 countries and is expected to be officially opened by President Hakainde Hichilema.

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