Annual freight volumes on the Tanzania-Zambia railway are projected to reach 1.8 million tonnes by 2030/31 under a newly approved recovery plan with the largest increases expected from 2029/30.
The Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) board recently approved the five-year strategy. Jointly owned by Tanzania and Zambia, TAZARA connects New Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia with Dar es Salaam, providing landlocked regional markets with access to the Tanzanian port.
The plan links recovery to a concession agreement with China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, which provides for US$1.4 billion in infrastructure and rolling stock investment.
TAZARA expects to continue operating freight services during the first three years while rehabilitation proceeds. Volumes are projected to rise from 110 000 tonnes in 2026/27 to 160 186 tonnes in 2027/28 and 234 103 tonnes in 2028/29.
Following rehabilitation and the concessionaire’s takeover of freight operations, annual volumes are projected to reach 1.2 million tonnes in 2029/30 and 1.8 million tonnes the following year.
The board also reviewed outstanding requirements before the concession takes full effect and called for stronger oversight of investment commitments, safety and contractual obligations.
The railway’s budget recognises possible service interruptions during rehabilitation.
