50 years on, Chinese role in Africa’s Freedom Railway from Zambia to Tanzania remains on track
Landlocked Zambia’s vital link to Tanzanian seaport was backed by China with money and lives in the 1970sBeijing will now help to revitalise the Tazara, seen as a reason for the unwavering support it enjoys in many African capitals
The China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation has been appointed to carry out a feasibility study on the project, the Chinese embassy in Zambia announced.
“China is making every effort to prepare for the reactivation of the railway upon Zambian and Tanzanian request again,” Chinese ambassador to Lusaka Du Xiaohui said, adding that Beijing will engage the Zambian and Tanzanian governments to explore ways to make Tazara profitable.
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema with Du Xiaohui, the Chinese ambassador to Lusaka. Photo: Xinhua
Meanwhile, at a virtual meeting related to the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) last week, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Beijing welcomes and “supports the decision of Tanzania and Zambia to reactivate the Tanzania-Zambia Railway”.
“China will continue to actively support and participate in the construction of major infrastructure in Africa through financing, investment and assistance,” Wang added.
