The China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation will invest $1.4 billion in a 30-year concession to upgrade the Tanzania-Zambia railway, known as TAZARA. This strategic investment aims to enhance logistics for copper exports from central Africa, bypassing South African bottlenecks. TAZARA’s CEO noted the necessity of urgent intervention due to longstanding challenges. China’s commitment follows increased competition from U.S. interests in rival transport corridors.
The China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) has announced a $1.4 billion investment over a 30-year concession to enhance the Tanzania-Zambia railway, a critical infrastructure project for the region. This announcement was made by the operator of the line, TAZARA, amidst growing competition for Africa’s vital mineral resources.
Known as TAZARA, this railway line serves as an essential channel for copper exports from central Africa, providing an alternative route to avoid logistical delays in South Africa, which have previously hampered the export of copper and cobalt.
Bruno Ching’andu, the Chief Executive Officer of TAZARA Authority, emphasized the importance of the concession by stating, “The decision to grant a concession follows an in-depth evaluation of TAZARA’s challenges over the years, which necessitated urgent intervention.”
Last year, China pledged to support the revitalization of TAZARA, coinciding with the United States’ financial backing for a competitor transport corridor known as Lobito, which connects to a port in Angola.
The commitment of CCECC to invest $1.4 billion in enhancing the TAZARA railway underscores China’s strategic interest in Africa’s mineral resources. This development aims to improve logistics for copper exports while addressing historical operational challenges faced by TAZARA. The initiative reflects broader geopolitical dynamics as nations vie for influence in transporting critical resources from the continent.
Original Source: thefinancialexpress.com.bd
