Tanzania’s New Vice President Champions TAZARA Railway Revival at Lusaka Ceremony
The Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Emmanuel Nchimbi, made a high-profile visit to Lusaka, Zambia, on 19 November 2025, representing President H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan at the landmark Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony for the major rehabilitation of the TAZARA Railway on 20 November 2025. This event marks a pivotal moment for regional infrastructure, with the TAZARA Railway poised for a transformative upgrade that promises to reshape trade and connectivity across Southern and Eastern Africa.
Dr. Nchimbi’s presence in Lusaka underscores Tanzania’s commitment to regional integration and economic development. The Vice President was accompanied by a distinguished delegation, including the Permanant Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Prof. Godius Kahyarara; the Director General of Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC), Eng. Machibya Shiwa; and the Director General of TASAC, Mr Mohamed Salum. Their participation highlights the strategic importance Tanzania places on the TAZARA corridor as a lifeline for cross-border trade and mobility.
This ceremony comes at a time of renewed focus on infrastructure investment across Africa, with the TAZARA Railway—originally built to connect Dar es Salaam in Tanzania with Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia—serving as a symbol of pan-African cooperation. The planned rehabilitation is expected to modernize the railway, enhance operational efficiency, and boost capacity for both freight and passenger services. For the African travel and logistics sector, these improvements are set to unlock new opportunities for tourism, commerce, and regional supply chains.
Dr. Nchimbi’s recent appointment as Vice President, following his swearing-in by Tanzania’s Chief Justice, has brought fresh momentum to the country’s leadership team. His diplomatic and political experience, including previous roles as ambassador and cabinet minister, positions him as a key advocate for Tanzania’s infrastructure ambitions and its role in regional development.
The TAZARA project is particularly significant for travel industry professionals in sub-Saharan Africa. Enhanced rail connectivity will not only facilitate the movement of goods but also support the growth of multi-modal tourism, linking key destinations and reducing travel times. The anticipated upgrades are expected to attract new investment, stimulate job creation, and foster greater collaboration between Tanzania, Zambia, and their neighbors.
As the continent looks to the future, the TAZARA Railway rehabilitation stands as a testament to the power of partnership and visionary leadership. With Dr. Nchimbi at the forefront, Tanzania is signaling its readiness to drive transformative projects that will shape the region’s economic and tourism landscape for years to come.
