Tanzania is looking to turn its economic partnership with China into lower transport costs, stronger regional trade and better access to essential services, with the planned rehabilitation of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (Tazara) emerging as one of the key projects under the cooperation.
The government says collaboration under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) will continue to support investment in transport, electricity transmission, telecommunications, water supply and urban transport.
The projects are expected to strengthen economic activity and support Tanzania’s long-term development ambitions.
However, the benefits will depend on how effectively the projects are implemented and whether improved infrastructure translates into lower costs for businesses and consumers.
Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance Asha Khamis Abdulla said Tanzania remained committed to strengthening economic cooperation with China while ensuring that development projects reflected the country’s priorities.
She was speaking in Nairobi, Kenya, on behalf of Finance Minister Khamis Mussa Omar at a Belt and Road Initiative forum held alongside the 2026 Financial Street Forum annual meeting.
Ms Abdulla said the partnership had created opportunities for cooperation in infrastructure, trade, investment, energy and industrial development.
“The long-standing relationship between Tanzania and China, built on mutual respect, trust and solidarity, has continued to strengthen cooperation in infrastructure, trade, investment, energy and industrial transformation,” she said.
The rehabilitation and modernisation of Tazara is among the projects expected to strengthen Tanzania’s position as a regional transport and trade hub.
Tanzania is working with Zambia and China to upgrade the railway through a public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement.
The line connects Dar es Salaam with Zambia, providing an important route for transporting goods between the port and inland markets.
A more efficient railway could reduce the cost of moving bulk cargo, improve delivery times and help businesses compete in regional markets.
It could also strengthen the movement of minerals, agricultural produce and manufactured goods between Tanzania, Zambia and other southern African countries.
Ms Abdulla said the railway’s modernisation would improve transport links and create more opportunities for regional trade.
“Modernising the Tazara railway is important in strengthening transport connectivity between Tanzania, Zambia and the wider southern African region. Completion of the project will open up more opportunities for trade and economic activities,” she said.
For businesses and consumers, the key test will be whether the investment produces reliable services and measurable reductions in transport costs.
Efficient rail operations could also ease pressure on roads and improve the movement of goods between the port and inland destinations.
Beyond railway infrastructure, Tanzania is working with China and the Export-Import Bank of China on projects involving electricity transmission, rural telecommunications, water supply and sustainable urban transport.
According to Ms Abdulla, the projects are intended to improve access to essential services and expand economic opportunities.
Better electricity transmission could support businesses and industrial production, while improved rural communications could help connect communities to information and economic activities.
Investments in water supply and urban transport could also improve daily life, although their impact will depend on coverage, affordability and service reliability.
Ms Abdulla said Tanzania would continue working with China and other international partners to implement projects aligned with national development priorities and the objectives of Tanzania Development Vision 2050.
The vision sets out the country’s long-term ambition to build a productive, competitive and inclusive economy.
Tanzania and China signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative in September 2018.
The framework provides a basis for cooperation in infrastructure and other development areas.
The initiative seeks to strengthen economic links between countries through infrastructure development, trade and investment.
The Nairobi forum, which ran alongside the 2026 Financial Street Forum, brought together participants to discuss financial cooperation, investment and infrastructure development.
For Tanzania, the partnership offers opportunities to mobilise investment and improve regional connectivity.
But the long-term value will depend on the commercial viability of projects, effective implementation and the extent to which the resulting infrastructure supports local businesses and creates wider economic benefits.
As the government pursues Vision 2050, the focus will be on ensuring that major infrastructure investments deliver tangible gains, from more efficient cargo transport to improved access to electricity, water and communication services.