Zambia and China Celebrate 50 Years of TAZARA with Joint Art Exhibition in Lusaka
The Ministry of Tourism has launched the “Shoulder to Shoulder on the Same Path” joint art exhibition, celebrating 50 years since the completion of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA) and reaffirming the long-standing friendship between Zambia and the People’s Republic of China.
Held at the Lusaka National Museum, the exhibition showcases contemporary artworks by Zambian and Chinese artists, retelling the history of the TAZARA Railway as a symbol of resilience, sacrifice, and international solidarity.
Speaking through Tourism Director Dr Andrew Chilufya, Minister of Tourism Rodney Sikumba said the exhibition reflects more than artistic collaboration, describing it as “a powerful expression of shared history and future ambition.”
“The theme ‘Shoulder to Shoulder on the Same Path’ reminds us that true progress is achieved when nations walk together, share experiences, and work towards a common goal,” he said. “The TAZARA project remains one of the clearest demonstrations of what solidarity and cooperation can achieve.”
He praised the partnership between the National Museums Board and the National Museum of China, describing it as a model for cultural diplomacy and strengthened international relations.
He added that the Government of Zambia remains committed to using culture as a driver of tourism, job creation, and inclusive economic development.
Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Han Jing also addressed the event, describing the exhibition as part of the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges and a tribute to the historic railway project.
He noted that more than 50,000 Chinese engineers and workers contributed to the construction of TAZARA alongside their Zambian and Tanzanian counterparts, calling it a lasting symbol of friendship between China and Africa.
Ambassador Han further revealed that plans to revitalise the TAZARA line are progressing, with construction expected to begin within the year and be completed within three years. He said the upgraded railway will strengthen Zambia’s position as a regional transport and logistics hub.
He also highlighted that the proposed TAZARA Prosperity Belt would support industrial parks, agro-processing hubs, logistics centres, and manufacturing zones along the corridor, creating jobs and expanding investment opportunities.
The exhibition has since opened to the public, with stakeholders emphasising the importance of cultural partnerships in shaping Zambia’s future tourism and development agenda.
