Tanzania and Zambia are seeking private investors to upgrade the Tazara railway in response to increased freight transport demand. Transport Minister Professor Makame Mbarawa is leading efforts to open the railway to public-private partnerships, emphasizing the need for wagons and locomotive supplies. The project is crucial for enhancing the Port of Dar es Salaam’s capabilities, with ongoing support from China and memoranda signed for capacity improvements. Rovos Rail is currently the only private operator on the route.
Tanzania and Zambia are actively seeking private investors to participate in the upgrade of the Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority (Tazara) as the demand for freight transport along the Southern Corridor intensifies. The Tanzanian Transport Minister, Professor Makame Mbarawa, announced that the government is currently reviewing legislative frameworks and railway operating policies to facilitate public-private partnerships aimed at enhancing the rail services, particularly along the 1,860-kilometer Tazara line. This railway is pivotal in facilitating cargo transportation across the transport corridor connecting Tanzania, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, and Zimbabwe. Professor Mbarawa indicated a specific interest in attracting partners capable of supplying wagons and locomotives for improved operations. The revitalization of the Tazara railway, which has received some financial support from China, is deemed essential for optimizing the functionality of the Port of Dar es Salaam, a significant transit hub for Zambia, Zimbabwe, and the DRC. In September, representatives from Tanzania, China, and Zambia formalized their commitment to enhancing the Tazara services through a memorandum of understanding aimed at increasing the railway’s capacity for the transport of goods and passengers. Currently, the only private entity operating on this route is Rovos Rail, based in Pretoria, which has been deploying its luxury vintage tourist train service between Cape Town and Dar es Salaam, traversing the Tazara line. Furthermore, Rovos Rail has recently included the Lobito Corridor in Angola into its annual travel itinerary, further extending its routes that encompass South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, and Lubumbashi in the DRC through the Benguela Railway.
The Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority (Tazara) serves as a crucial transportation link within Southern Africa, connecting several nations and facilitating trade and passenger movement. The railway, which stretches 1,860 kilometers, plays a significant role in providing access to the Port of Dar es Salaam, thereby supporting economic activities in the landlocked countries of Zambia, Zimbabwe, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Given the rising demand for freight transport, the Tanzanian and Zambian governments are exploring avenues for private sector involvement to enhance the operational efficiency and capacity of this railway. The collaborative efforts also involve international partnerships, notably with China, to secure funding and technical support for upgrading the railway infrastructure.
In summary, Tanzania and Zambia’s initiative to attract private investment for the enhancement of the Tazara railway reflects a strategic approach to meet the growing freight transport demands in Southern Africa. By opening avenues for public-private partnerships and seeking to modernize the railway infrastructure, the two nations aim to bolster their economies and improve logistics across the region. This endeavor, supported by international partnerships, underscores the importance of efficient transport networks in facilitating trade and economic growth.
Original Source: www.theeastafrican.co.ke
