Story perspectives

Tanzania-Zambia Railway Modernization Begins: $1.4 Billion Upgrade

12/7/2025

Summary

Story summary

A US$1.4 billion modernization of the 1,860-km Tanzania-Zambia railway has officially begun after years of negotiations.
The upgrade reconnects the Copperbelt to Dar es Salaam, increasing capacity from 200,000 to 2.4 million tonnes and reducing transit times by two-thirds.
China Railway Construction Corporation and its subsidiary will lead upgrades; the project was financed by China in the 1970s, and Chinese Premier Li Qiang highlighted Beijing’s commitment.

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Story summary

A US$1.4 billion modernization of the 1,860-km Tanzania-Zambia railway has officially begun after years of negotiations.
The upgrade reconnects the Copperbelt to Dar es Salaam, increasing capacity from 200,000 to 2.4 million tonnes and reducing transit times by two-thirds.
China Railway Construction Corporation and its subsidiary will lead upgrades; the project was financed by China in the 1970s, and Chinese Premier Li Qiang highlighted Beijing’s commitment.