The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA), even as efforts to concession the railway line continue.
Presenting the 2025/2026 national budget for the Ministry of Transport in Parliament, Minister of Transport, Prof. Makame Mbarawa, announced a total allocation of TZS 27.3 billion for salaries and key development projects under TAZARA.
Of this amount:
- TZS 14.98 billion will go towards the salaries of TAZARA employees;
- TZS 12.32 billion is earmarked for critical infrastructure rehabilitation and operational upgrades, including Procurement of 30 new passenger coaches, Acquisition of one shunting locomotive, Purchase of essential spare parts, and Construction of two additional railway lines at Tunduma Station.
This renewed financial support comes despite ongoing efforts to concession the railway. It must be noted that once the concession agreement is finalized, it is expected to take up to three years to rehabilitate the line and mobilize the necessary rolling stock and equipment. Only after this preparatory phase will the concessionaire be in a position to commence operations and start generating revenue for TAZARA.
Minister Mbarawa emphasized the importance of sustaining current operations and maintaining employee welfare during this transitional period, adding that the railway continues to serve a vital role in regional integration and trade facilitation.
As the region awaits the full implementation of the concession, Tanzania’s commitment signals its intent to ensure that TAZARA remains functional and effective in the short and medium term.
