Revitalizing TAZARA: Justine Kabela’s Vision for Rail Integration and Economic Growth
Justine Kabela, the Manager of Planning and Corporate Affairs at TAZARA (Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority), recently shed light on the organization’s strategic vision during the #SARArail conference and exhibition. As a participant in the #CEO Think Tank panel, sponsored by the PRASA Group, Kabela highlighted TAZARA’s unique role in interconnecting and integrating railways in Southern Africa, noting that TAZARA is a key facilitator in regional trade.
TAZARA, a bi-national rail formed by the governments of Zambia and Tanzania, stands as a testament to cross-border collaboration, with each nation holding a 50% share. Spanning 1,860km, this Cape Gauge railway forms a crucial link among Southern countries and some SADC (Southern African Development Community) nations. This connectivity enables seamless cargo transportation, eliminating the need for transshipment between different rail systems.
Over the past six years, TAZARA has embarked on a transformative journey. Facing numerous challenges and operating at reduced capacity – moving only around 88,000 metric tons of cargo in 2014 – the railway has since seen a remarkable turnaround. Thanks to the intervention and revitalization efforts by both governments, along with the appointment of new leadership, TAZARA has experienced consistent annual growth of 19%.
Addressing the historical underinvestment in the railway sector, which led to infrastructure deterioration and reduced cargo movement, TAZARA implemented several strategies to break this cycle. Among these was the adoption of open access, allowing private operators to run their equipment on TAZARA lines. This initiative alone has resulted in a more than 50% increase in cargo movement compared to what the railway was initially handling.
Looking ahead, TAZARA’s strategy involves both short-term and long-term goals. In the short term, leasing equipment and continuing the open access policy are key focuses. For the long term, the organization is exploring partnerships with private investors and considering various forms of corporate management and concessions. These efforts are aimed at securing the necessary investment to further enhance the railway’s capacity and efficiency.
Justine Kabela’s insights during the conference underscore the pivotal role of TAZARA in the economic integration of the region. Through collaborative efforts and strategic investment, TAZARA is poised to not only overcome its past challenges but also become a leading force in facilitating trade and fostering economic growth across the region.