The Chinese premier Li Qiang joined Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema and Tanzanian Vice President Emmanuel Nchimbi in Lusaka on Thursday for the groundbreaking of the TAZARA Railway revitalization project. Last September in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and President Hichilema witnessed the signing of the memorandum of understanding for this ambitious upgrade.
Over the past year, teams from China, Zambia and Tanzania have collaborated closely to pave the way for construction. Li highlighted the railway as a powerful bond linking the peoples of the three countries, praising the "TAZARA spirit" of dedication and hard work.
Describing the project as a landmark of China-Africa cooperation, he stressed the importance of high-quality, high-standard construction to deliver a safe, efficient and reliable network. Li added that the revitalization should serve as an example of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and spark new economic growth hubs along the route.
Beyond tracks and bridges, Li announced support for "small and beautiful" community projects in healthcare, poverty alleviation and agriculture to improve local livelihoods. He also called on partners to strengthen "hard connectivity" via railways, highways and ports, alongside "soft connectivity" in customs, commodity inspection and taxation.
As the TAZARA Railway embarks on its next chapter, stakeholders hope the modernized line will inject fresh vitality into Tanzania, Zambia and the wider African continent, showcasing the potential of international infrastructure collaboration.
Reference(s):
China signs agreement with Zambia, Tanzania to modernize TAZARA rail
cgtn.com
