Lusaka — China, Zambia and Tanzania officially launched the TAZARA Railway revitalization project, a major initiative aimed at creating a prosperity belt along the railway and boosting regional economic growth.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held in Lusaka, was attended by Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, and Tanzanian Vice President Emmanuel Nchimbi. Li highlighted that the railway serves as a vital link between the three countries and praised the TAZARA spirit as a legacy of dedication and cooperation.
Li noted that over the past year, departments and enterprises from all three nations had worked together to prepare for the project’s formal commencement. He emphasized China’s commitment to supporting high-quality construction, regional connectivity, and “small and beautiful” development projects in healthcare, agriculture, and poverty alleviation along the railway corridor.
President Hichilema and Vice President Nchimbi said the revitalization symbolized the historic friendship and shared future of the three nations, and pledged to work closely with China to implement the FOCAC Beijing Summit outcomes, promote industrial development, and improve the livelihoods of communities along the line.
The governments of China, Tanzania, and Zambia also issued a joint statement confirming plans to build the TAZARA Railway prosperity belt, strengthening trade, investment, and regional integration.
