Government has reiterated its commitment to the revitalization of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA), with plans to construct a modern dry port in Kapiri Mposhi as part of broader efforts to enhance logistics efficiency, industrialization and job creation. Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet for Finance and Economic Development Siazongo Siakalenge said government was working with Chinese investors from China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) to develop the dry port along the TAZARA line, which is scheduled to undergo revitalisation in line with national development priorities and international standards. Mr Siakalenge was speaking when he met Chinese delegation, led by CRCC Chief Economist Sun Gongxi, in Kapiri Mposhi, where they toured key sites including railway tracks, the proposed dry port location and the inter connecter between Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) and TAZARA.
He stated that Mr Siakalenge explained that the construction of a modern dry port will accelerate development in Kapiri Mposhi and create employment opportunities for local communities. He said Kapiri Mposhi’s strategic location makes it ideal for the project, as the district lies at the centre of the country and hosts two major railway lines, the Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) and TAZARA which link Zambia to regional and international markets. Mr Siakalenge noted that TAZARA connects Zambia to Tanzania via Nakonde up to Tunduma, while ZRL, which runs from Livingstone to Ndola, intersects with TAZARA in Kapiri Mposhi, allowing for easier and more efficient movement of goods.
He disclosed that the revitalisation programme will include the development of a modern terminal station whose standards will be consistent with those of the Dar es Salaam terminal building, ensuring equity in infrastructure development between Zambia and the United Republic of Tanzania. Mr Siakalenge explained that the government was assessing key economic sectors along the TAZARA corridor to determine how they can be developed to ensure the railway operates as a profitable business venture. He added that cargo volumes hauled between Kapiri Mposhi and Dar es Salaam are expected to increase significantly, from the current levels of less than one million metric tons per annum to a minimum of 2.4 million metric tons annually.
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Mr Siakalenge said the revitalisation will also synchronise operations between TAZARA and ZRL, with an interchange point and a common yard to allow seamless movement of cargo between the two railway systems. He noted that additional facilities will be developed in Kapiri Mposhi, including enhanced border management infrastructure and upgraded customs operations, despite the absence of an international border, in line with modern border management concepts. Mr Siakalenge commended the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) for effectively marketing Zambia both locally and internationally, adding that it was now time to move from discussions to implementation.
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