The Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA) stands as one of the largest infrastructure projects in Africa and serves as a significant representation of the enduring friendship between China and Africa. Constructed with Chinese support from 1970 to 1975, TAZARA plays a vital economic and social role for Tanzania, Zambia, and the wider southern African region. However, with the railway’s infrastructure aging and technology evolving, modernization is essential in today’s rapidly advancing scientific and technological landscape.
TAZARA is a critical element in the historical relationship between Africa and China, exemplifying one of the distinctive 20th-century infrastructure projects on the continent. The railway connects the port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania to Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia, facilitating the movement of goods from landlocked southern African nations to the sea, thereby avoiding dependence on former colonial routes through countries like South Africa and Zimbabwe (formerly Southern Rhodesia).
After gaining independence in 1964, Zambia encountered significant logistical challenges, relying heavily on South African ports through Zimbabwe, both of which were under minority rule at that time. To alleviate this dependency, a railway link connecting Zambia to the Indian Ocean via Tanzania was essential.
Kenneth Kaunda, the first president of Zambia, played a crucial role in the development of TAZARA, collaborating closely with Tanzania’s President Julius Nyerere to ensure the project’s successful completion. Kaunda fostered diplomatic relations between Zambia and Tanzania, highlighting their unity and cooperation. Following the withdrawal of support from Western nations, Kaunda negotiated with China, which ultimately agreed to finance and assist in the railway’s construction.
Western countries, including the UK and the USA, were reluctant to provide financial support for TAZARA, making China a viable partner. The Chinese government, led by Mao Zedong, committed to funding the railway as a gesture of solidarity with African nations.
China’s Involvement and Cold War Context
TAZARA was built between 1970 and 1975 with considerable Chinese support, making it one of the largest infrastructure projects funded and executed by China outside its borders during a period when the country was focusing on its economic development. China’s commitment to the project, despite the potential risks, demonstrated its dedication to supporting Africa’s economic advancement.
Cold War Relevance
The railway highlighted China’s expanding influence in Africa at a time when Western countries hesitated to invest in such initiatives. TAZARA exemplified China’s strategy to align with newly independent nations and anti-imperialist movements, solidifying its presence in Africa during the Cold War era.
China’s engagement in TAZARA and its wider African initiatives can be interpreted as part of its geopolitical strategy. By deepening relationships with African countries, China intends to bolster its influence on the continent, challenge Western supremacy, and secure a presence in areas abundant in natural resources and markets. This approach is consistent with China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which aims to establish a global network of trade routes and infrastructure projects, positioning Africa as a vital element in this vision.
On September 4, 2024, Tanzania, Zambia, and China signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to revitalize TAZARA during the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing. China proposed an investment of $1 billion for the railway’s modernization. President Xi emphasized China’s commitment to reviving TAZARA, improving East Africa’s rail and maritime transport networks, and positioning Tanzania as a key partner in the Belt and Road Initiative.
The Importance of Modernizing TAZARA
Upgrading TAZARA is vital for enhancing the economy, transportation, and social development in East and southern Africa. The railway is regarded as both a catalyst for growth and a significant symbol of cooperation between China and Africa.
Improved Transportation Efficiency: A modernized railway would enable faster and more efficient transport of goods, reducing the time needed to move products from production sites to markets and lowering transportation costs, thus enhancing the competitiveness of local products in regional and global markets.
Boosting Trade and Economic Growth: An enhanced railway would facilitate the movement of goods between countries, promoting both domestic and international trade. Many agricultural products from Tanzania currently spoil due to inadequate infrastructure. While improvements to road networks are underway, modernizing TAZARA could attract both local and foreign investment in agriculture, mining, and manufacturing, while also significantly reducing travel time with faster trains.
Enhanced Transportation Safety: A new and efficient railway can mitigate the risks associated with road transport, such as accidents and crime, which are common with the existing infrastructure in Tanzania and other African countries. According to statistics from the Tanzania Police, road accidents increased by 0.8% from January to December 2023, with 1,733 incidents reported compared to 1,720 in 2022. Fatalities also rose by 6.6%, from 1,545 in 2022 to 1,647 in 2023, and 2,716 individuals were injured, marking a 19.2% increase from the previous year. Upgrading TAZARA could decrease reliance on road transport for goods and people, potentially lowering accident rates if efficient rail options are made available.
Strengthening Regional Cooperation: TAZARA is crucial for enhancing collaboration between Tanzania, Zambia, and neighboring countries, playing a significant role in preserving historical ties among southern African nations. Modernizing the railway could integrate it with other transport networks, thereby improving connectivity within East Africa.
Social Development Benefits
The modernization of TAZARA is expected to create numerous job opportunities in maintenance and operations, promoting local community involvement. Infrastructure improvements will also support the growth of modern cities, roads, and public services, fostering stronger connections and creating more opportunities for communities along the railway.
Conclusion
Over fifty years after its establishment, TAZARA’s infrastructure has become outdated and struggles to keep pace with technological advancements, which has adversely affected its performance, leading to frequent technical issues and delays in freight and passenger transport. Modernizing TAZARA is essential for the economies of Tanzania, Zambia, and the broader southern African region. The railway presents opportunities to boost international trade, enhance transportation efficiency, and maintain the historic bond between Africa and China. However, the successful realization of these benefits will hinge on effectively addressing financial, technical, and policy challenges. With robust cooperation among the involved nations and adequate investment, TAZARA could emerge as a major contributor to economic and social progress in the region for years to come.
