Dar es Salaam/Lusaka, 11 June 2026 — Fifty years ago, one of Africa’s most iconic railways was carved through challenging terrain to break colonial trade barriers. Today, the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) announces a month-long programme of activities to commemorate its 50th anniversary that is not only looking back at five decades of service, but also launching a transformational agenda for the next 50 years.

The Golden Jubilee will be commemorated under the theme: “TAZARA@50: From Liberation to Transformation.”

TAZARA was born out of the shared vision of the founding fathers of Tanzania, Zambia and China, who saw the railway not only as a transport project, but also as a strategic tool for liberation, regional solidarity and economic independence.

Since its completion in 1976, TAZARA has played a historic role in connecting people, supporting trade, strengthening regional integration, and providing a vital transport link between the Port of Dar es Salaam and the hinterland of Southern Africa.

As TAZARA turns 50, the Authority is not only reflecting on its proud history, but also looking ahead to a new era of revitalisation, transformation and renewed service delivery.

The commemorative activities will include public engagement programmes, media features, stakeholder events, staff activities, youth participation, historical reflections and promotional campaigns celebrating TAZARA’s contribution to Africa’s development.

The TAZARA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Bruno T. Ching’andu, has called upon staff, customers, partners, former employees, communities along the railway line and all stakeholders to join in marking the Golden Jubilee, describing it as a defining moment in TAZARA’s history.

“As TAZARA turns 50, we are not only celebrating a proud legacy of liberation, sacrifice and regional solidarity; we are also embracing a new chapter of transformation through revitalisation. This is a moment for all of us to reflect, celebrate and rally behind the rebirth of TAZARA as a corridor of opportunities,” said Eng. Ching’andu.

The official launch of the commemorative activities will take place on 14 July 2026, preceded by a series of events, including an open week for interacting with the public; a two-legged corporate golf tournament in Lusaka and Dar es Salaam to engage customers and stakeholders; a series of lectures in Lusaka and Dar es Salaam to provide a scholarly platform for exploring the historical perspectives of TAZARA; a media tour to highlight the transformational transition; and other community engagement events.

TAZARA invites customers, stakeholders, former employees, current staff, communities along the railway line, partners and the general public to join in celebrating this historic milestone.

At the golden age of 50, the message is clear: Born as a tool for liberation, reborn as a corridor of opportunities.

Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority

About Us

TAZARA is a bi-national railway jointly owned by the Governments of the United Republic of Tanzania and the Republic of Zambia. Constructed between 1970 and 1976 with support from the People’s Republic of China, the railway—widely known as the “Uhuru Railway”—links the East African Port of Dar es Salaam to New Kapiri Mposhi, with onward connections to COMESA and SADC markets.

On 14th July 2026, TAZARA marks its 50th anniversary since commercial operations begun and it is undergoing a major transformation through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) concession model, following the signing of a Concession Agreement with China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation on 29 September 2025.

Media Contacts:

Head Public Relations 
Email: hpr@tazarasite.com
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