Zambia Eyes Regional Trade Boom with New Railway Linking to Africa's Great Lakes

Zambia is embarking on an ambitious project to strengthen its trade ties within the African Great Lakes region through the development of a new railway line. This strategic initiative will extend a key economic lifeline from one of the world's deepest and longest freshwater lakes, Lake Tanganyika, to the existing Tanzania Zambia Railway (Tazara).

The Zambian Transport and Logistics Ministry has invited expressions of interest from companies to finance, build, and manage the proposed rail stretch that spans approximately 192 kilometers. Once completed, this connection will link the harbor of Mpulungu on Lake Tanganyika with the Nseluka junction on the Tazara railway in the north of Zambia.

As envisaged, the new railway passage will be critical in fostering trade relations not just with Tanzania, but also with Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Rwanda, which all border Lake Tanganyika. This development aims to create a seamless trade route that would facilitate the movement of goods from the heart of Africa to the Indian Ocean, and vice versa.

The urgency to improve railway connectivity is underpinned by the pressing need to revitalize the Tazara line, which has suffered degradation and operates below capacity. Constructed in the 1970s with Chinese financial and technical support, this railway line once served as a vital conduit for Zambia's copper exports to the port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.

In tandem with the construction of the new line, Zambia and Tanzania are expected to award a concession this year to a Chinese state-owned enterprise, with the objective of refurbishing and commercially operating Tazara. This undertaking represents a significant step towards restoring the railway to its former glory, which is pivotal for the economy of Zambia, especially the copper-mining sector, and enhancing the mobility of people and goods in the region.

Modernizing the railway infrastructure echoes Zambia’s broader goals for economic development, highlighting transport as a catalyst for regional integration and increased intra-African trade, consistent with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This infrastructure revamp is expected to draw investment, reduce transportation costs, and ultimately contribute to the economic growth of the involved countries.

In taking this leap forward, Zambia also reflects a growing trend of African nations investing in railway infrastructure, recognizing the importance of reliable land transportation networks that can support sustainable development and diversify trade options. It is a concrete example of the nation's commitment to enhancing its logistical capabilities and positioning itself as a central player in the trade dynamics of Southern Africa.

The involvement of Chinese companies in the overhaul of Tazara, as well as the construction of the new line, highlights China's ongoing role as a key partner in the development of African infrastructure. This collaboration may serve as a model for future transportation projects across the continent, potentially inviting further international investment and cooperation.