Tanzania and Zambia Pursue Private Investment for Railway Enhancements
Tanzania and Zambia are seeking private investors to improve the Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority (Tazara) amid increasing freight transport demands. Transport Minister Professor Makame Mbarawa noted that revisions to laws and policies are in progress to encourage public-private partnerships. The enhancement of Tazara is vital for the Dar es Salaam port, which serves as a key trade route to several neighboring countries. There is a recent memorandum of understanding with China to expand Tazara’s capacity.
Tanzania and Zambia are actively seeking private investors for the enhancement of the Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority (Tazara) amidst a rising demand for freight transport within the Southern Corridor. Professor Makame Mbarawa, Tanzania’s Minister of Transport, indicated that they are revising legislation and operational policies pertaining to the railway, aiming to facilitate public-private partnerships in the operation of railways, specifically the extensive 1,860-kilometer Tazara line. This initiative seeks to bolster cargo operations along a transport corridor connecting Tanzania, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, and Zimbabwe. Furthermore, Professor Mbarawa highlighted the search for collaborators capable of supplying wagons and locomotives essential for the railway’s operations. The refurbishment of Tazara, which includes financing from China, is integral to the functionality of the Dar es Salaam port, a primary gateway for trade extending to Zambia, Zimbabwe, and the DRC. In September, a memorandum of understanding was established between Tanzania, China, and Zambia aimed at enhancing Tazara’s capacity for freight and passenger transportation. Currently, the only private entity traversing Tazara is Pretoria-based Rovos Rail, which has been operating its luxury tourist vintage train service between Cape Town, South Africa, and Dar es Salaam. Rovos Rail has also expanded its annual route to include Lobito in Angola, connecting major destinations such as South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Tanzania, culminating in Lubumbashi in the DRC through the Benguela Railway.
The Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority (Tazara) project is critical to enhancing freight transportation capabilities in Southern Africa. This railway line, stretching 1,860 kilometers, plays an essential role in linking multiple countries including Tanzania, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, and Zimbabwe. With increasing demands for effective freight transport, both Tanzania and Zambia are turning to private investment to revitalize this infrastructure and improve service delivery. The current state of Tazara necessitates upgrades to improve its operational capacity and efficiency, aiming to better serve the logistics needs of surrounding nations. The involvement of private investors is seen as a viable strategy to inject much-needed capital and expertise into the railway’s operations. Agreements, such as the memorandum of understanding recently signed with China, reflect regional efforts toward modernization and enhanced capacity in rail transport.
In conclusion, the move by Tanzania and Zambia to invite private investors for the Tazara railway upgrade is a strategic response to the escalating demand for freight services in the Southern Corridor. With legislative reviews and the establishment of public-private partnerships, this initiative seeks to significantly improve the operational capabilities of the railway system, benefiting regional trade connectivity. The collaboration with China and the ongoing operations of private entities like Rovos Rail further emphasize the potential for revitalization in the railway sector.
Original Source: www.theeastafrican.co.ke
