Zambia Committed to Revitalizing Railway System, Says Transport Minister Tayali
Zambia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, Frank Tayali, has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to revitalizing its railway system, which includes Zambia Railways Limited and the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA).
Speaking at the 13th Annual International Southern African Railway Association (SARA) Conference and Exhibition, held under the SADC Ministers of Transport at the Sandton Convention Center in Johannesburg, Tayali emphasized the crucial role of railway development in regional connectivity.
During the conference, which focused on the theme “Future of Rail in Regional Connectivity,” Minister Tayali highlighted the progress Zambia has made in modernizing its railway infrastructure.
He outlined the government’s achievements, ongoing projects, and future plans to enhance the railway sector, both within Zambia and across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
Tayali stressed the importance of regional collaboration, calling for harmonization in standards, technology, and capital investment requirements among SADC member states. “It is imperative that governments in the region work together, with a unified agenda and a regional railway master plan to guide the development of our railway systems,” he said.
The Minister urged the SADC Secretariat, the Southern African Railway Association (SARA), and regional governments to join forces in improving the railway sector and boosting its operational efficiency.
He also highlighted Zambia’s 10-year National Transport Policy, launched in 2019, which aims to create an efficient and integrated transport system and transform Zambia into a regional transport hub within SADC.
The vision of the National Transport Policy, according to Tayali, is to overcome the longstanding challenges that have hindered the growth of Zambia’s transport sector and to capitalize on the benefits of improved infrastructure for the Zambian people and the region as a whole.
Tayali acknowledged that the railway sector in Zambia and the broader SADC region has faced significant difficulties, constraining its growth. However, he expressed optimism that through coordinated efforts and strategic investments, these challenges can be addressed.
The conference in South Africa was attended by key stakeholders, including Zambia Railways Board Chairperson Emmanuel Hachipuka, representatives from TAZARA, and senior government officials.
The event provided a platform for discussing the future of rail transport in Southern Africa and exploring ways to enhance regional connectivity through improved railway networks.
This commitment to revitalizing the railway sector reflects Zambia’s broader goal of strengthening its transport infrastructure to support economic growth and regional integration.
This is contiained statement issued by Tamara Nyirenda, First Secretary of Press and Public Relations at the Zambia High Commission in South Africa.
