The Managing Director and CEO of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA), Eng. Bruno Ching’andu, announced at the Zambia International Mining and Energy Conference (ZIMEC 2025) in Kitwe, Zambia, that the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) will invest over USD 1.4 billion in TAZARA to revitalize the railway infrastructure and operations. 

Eng. Ching’andu made this announcement in a presentation to a gathering of investors and industry experts at ZIMEC 2025, including key stakeholders from the mining and logistics sectors, who are TAZARA’s primary customers.

Eng. Ching’andu shared that although the negotiations were still ongoing, he was happy to disclose that the investment will be executed under a 30-year concession arrangement, marking a significant step toward transforming TAZARA into a more efficient and reliable transport corridor. This partnership is expected to address the railway’s declining performance and restore its operational efficiency.

Key Investments

Under the terms of the proposed agreement, CCECC will undertake the following key investments:

  • USD 1.0 billion – For full rehabilitation of TAZARA’s railway track infrastructure, enhancing safety, efficiency, and capacity.
  • USD 0.4 billion –  For procurement of 32 brand-new locomotives and 762 new wagons, significantly increasing freight and passenger transport capacity.
  • Periodic major overhauls, alongside continuous maintenance, will be conducted throughout the concession period to ensure long-term continuity and sustainability.

Concession Structure:

  • The 30-year concession period will be structured as follows:
  • First 3 years – Dedicated to construction and rehabilitation.
  • Remaining 27 years – Full operational management to ensure long-term sustainability.

Strategic Importance of the Concession

Eng. Ching’andu, who pointed out that the negotiations were almost concluded, explained that the decision to grant a concession follows an in-depth evaluation of TAZARA’s challenges over the years, which necessitated urgent intervention. The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model was chosen after extensive due diligence to ensure alignment with TAZARA’s long-term vision and the interests of its shareholders.

As the concessionaire, CCECC will focus on:

  • Immediate rehabilitation of the railway track and supply of rolling stock to establish a strong foundation for success.
  • Covering operational costs through concession fees payable to TAZARA.
  • Efficiently maintaining and operating the railway system while ensuring uninterrupted service delivery.
  • Handing back fully rehabilitated assets at the end of the concession period.

A New Era for TAZARA

Eng. Bruno Ching’andu emphasized the significance of this milestone:

“This concession will mark the beginning of a new era for TAZARA. The investment from CCECC will not only restore our railway infrastructure but also position TAZARA as a key enabler of trade and economic growth between Tanzania and Zambia. Through this strategic partnership, we are ensuring that TAZARA remains a competitive and sustainable transport solution for the region.”

TAZARA remains committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition and the successful implementation of this revitalization project. This initiative is expected to enhance regional trade, reduce transportation costs, and improve connectivity across the Dar es Salaam corridor.

For further inquiries, please contact:

Conrad K. Simuchile, Head Public Relations
Email: hpr@tazarasite.com
WhatsApp only: +255 783 803 074
Website: www.tazarasite.com