Government has pledged support to the TAZARA revitalisation project, aligning it with the country’s Eighth National Development Plan focused on industrialisation, economic transformation and job creation.
Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet Siazongo Siakalenge in charge of Finance and Economic Development says the investment plans submitted by China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) are fully aligned with Zambia’s development priorities.
The media reports that Mr Siakalenge explained that preliminary assessments and stakeholder consultations are already underway to ensure the project fits national objectives and the broader Economic Prosperity Belt vision.
He noted that the government will introduce policy reforms which will ensure that local communities benefit directly from the TAZARA Prosperity Corridor through job creation and skills‑development programmes.
He was speaking when the Chinese delegation from China Railway Construction Company (CRCC) and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) called on him at his office.
Mr Siakalenge added that environmental sustainability is also a priority with green technologies to be integrated into waste management and energy efficiency measures along the corridor.
“Additional investments will target telecommunications infrastructure to spur digital economy growth and business operations while monitoring and evaluation frameworks will be established to track progress and ensure transparency in resource management,” he said
He also added that the key focus areas of the initiative include education and training for emerging industries, health and social services improvements, tourism development, and innovation hubs to attract research and development investments.
“The project aims to position the TAZARA corridor as a model for sustainable regional development and economic integration in Southern Africa,” Mr Siakalenge explained.
He also indicated that financing arrangements and technical workshops with CRCC are being scheduled to fast track implementation and maximise job creation for Zambian youth
“The President’s technical team is coordinating with Chinese counterparts to incorporate advanced railway technologies and sustainable practices into the upgrade,” he added
Meanwhile, China Railway Construction Company (CRCC) Chief Economist, Sun Gongxi said that they have plans to rehabilitate the 140-kilometer railway section from Kapiri-Mposhi to Ndola in Zambia and extend it to Sakania in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The rehabilitation and extension aim to improve overall logistics efficiency by creating a joint line between Zambia and Congo and the project intends to develop Kapiri into a transportation hub and enhance connectivity between TAZARA and Zambia’s railway system.
He affirmed that CRCC will uphold the consensus reached by the leaders, fully leveraging the company’s professional capabilities to transform the TAZARA railway into an integrated resource that advances freedom, harmony, prosperity, sustainability, and greater economic and social development for the country.
He expressed hope that the follow up work on the TAZARA Prosperity Belt will benefit from guidance, support, and assistance, thanking Zambian authorities for their warm hospitality during the current study tour and the initiative.
