In a landmark announcement, Chinese Premier Li Qiang pledged that China will partner with Zambia and Tanzania to build a “prosperity belt” along the revitalized Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA), creating a new economic growth hub in the heart of Southern and East Africa.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony in Lusaka, Premier Li highlighted that this railway, originally built with Chinese support in the 1970s, is more than just infrastructure – it’s a “precious legacy” that binds the peoples of the three countries together. He called on the three nations to seize the moment for high-quality development, building hard connectivity like railways, highways, and ports – including soft connectivity in customs, trade, and taxation.
China’s commitment goes beyond steel and tracks. Li said Beijing will support “small and beautiful” projects along the railway corridor in health, agriculture, and poverty alleviation, to uplift local communities and drive inclusive development. He also emphasized strengthening industrial cooperation, encouraging market integration between the two African countries, and aligning their industries with China’s development goals.
From the Zambian side, President Hakainde Hichilema praised the program as a model of South-South cooperation that could unlock fresh trade and industrial opportunities. Meanwhile, Tanzanian Vice President Emmanuel Nchimbi called the railway’s revival a new chapter in regional integration and economic modernization.
This effort builds on broader China-Africa cooperation. In talks, Premier Li expressed his support for expanding bilateral trade with Zambia under a zero-tariff scheme, opening up collaboration in critical sectors like mining, new energy vehicles, and artificial intelligence.
China’s ties with Tanzania also run deep: the renewed focus on the TAZARA project is part of a long-term Belt and Road framework that aims to reinvigorate cross-border connectivity while promoting sustainable development in transport infrastructure.
As Premier Li said, the renewed project isn’t just high-speed rails, it’s a “symbol of friendship” and a foundation for a shared China-Africa future rooted in connectivity, industry, and modernization.
