• Rail

TAZARA board of directors' 122nd meeting TAZARA board of directors' 122nd meeting

The Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) Board of Directors convened for their 122nd meeting virtually on July 26, 2024. The session saw participation from several key representatives:

  • Dr. Ally Possi, representing the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Tanzania.
  • Prof. Godius Kahyarara, serving as the Chairperson.
  • Mr. Stephen Mbewe, representing the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, Zambia.
  • Eng. Fredrick Mwalusaka, acting as the Co-Chairperson.
  • Mrs. Irene Mwamba Lumbwe and Mr. Sichizuwe Musokotwane, Board Members from Zambia.
  • Prof. Razack Lokina and Mrs. Rukia Shamte, Board Members from Tanzania.

Key Deliberations and Resolutions

During the meeting, the Board discussed various critical issues concerning the Authority's operations and made several significant decisions: Annual Budget for the Financial Year 2024/2025 The Board thoroughly reviewed and subsequently approved the proposed annual budget for the financial year 2024/2025. The set targets include handling 350,000 metric tons of freight traffic and transporting 3,430,000 passengers. The projected total income stands at USD 55.19 million, expected to be generated from diverse sources such as freight, parcels, passenger traffic, open access fees, and other non-operational activities. Status Report on the Revitalisation of TAZARA The Board received an update on the ongoing revitalization efforts of TAZARA, which involve collaboration with investors from the People’s Republic of China. The Board emphasized the urgency of concluding negotiations and signing a Memorandum of Understanding by September 2024 to expedite the revitalization process.

Additional Insights

The TAZARA railway, a bi-national railway linking the Southern Africa Regional transport network to Eastern Africa's seaport of Dar es Salaam, continues to play a crucial role in both freight and passenger transportation services between Tanzania and Zambia

. The railway, established in 1968 and operational since 1976, has faced various challenges over the years, including a significant decline in freight traffic since its peak in 1986

. Efforts to revitalize the railway have been ongoing, with recent proposals from the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) to upgrade the railway to standard gauge

. The Board's recent meeting underscores the importance of these efforts and the commitment to improving the railway's operational efficiency and financial performance. In conclusion, the 122nd meeting of the TAZARA Board of Directors marked a significant step towards addressing the operational challenges and setting a clear path for the future development of the railway. The approved budget and the focus on revitalization efforts highlight the Board's dedication to enhancing the railway's capacity and service quality