Joint Statement of the Governments of the People’s Republic of China, the United Republic of Tanzania, and the Republic of Zambia on Jointly Building the Tanzania–Zambia Railway Prosperity Belt

Under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China, President Samia Suluhu Hassan of the United Republic of Tanzania, and President Hakainde Hichilema of the Republic of Zambia, the market‑oriented revitalization project for the Tanzania–Zambia Railway was launched on November 20, 2025. Premier Li Qiang of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, President Hakainde Hichilema of the Republic of Zambia, and Vice President Emmanuel Nchimbi of the United Republic of Tanzania attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the Tanzania–Zambia Railway revitalization project, held in Lusaka, the capital of Zambia.

　　To ensure that the Tanzania–Zambia Railway continues to benefit Tanzania, Zambia, and the broader African region in a more effective and sustainable manner, the governments of the People’s Republic of China, the United Republic of Tanzania, and the Republic of Zambia have unanimously agreed to work together to advance modernization that is just and equitable, open and mutually beneficial, people-centered, diverse and inclusive, environmentally friendly, and peaceful and secure. They will promote the development of the Tanzania–Zambia Railway Prosperity Belt (hereinafter referred to as the “Prosperity Belt”), thereby supporting the development of China, Tanzania, and Zambia, unlocking the region’s development potential, and establishing a model for high-quality joint Belt and Road cooperation between China and Africa.

　　The three parties are committed to closely aligning the outcomes of the 2024 Forum on China–Africa Cooperation Beijing Summit, as well as President Xi Jinping’s initiatives—including the “Initiative on Supporting African Industrialization,” the “China Plan for Advancing Agricultural Modernization in Africa,” and the “China–Africa Talent Development Cooperation Program”—with Tanzania’s “Tanzania Vision 2050,” Zambia’s “Eighth National Development Plan,” the African Union’s “Agenda 2063,” and the United Nations’ “2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.” The three parties have reached the following consensus:

　　I. Building the “Path to Freedom.” The three parties fully recognize the historical and symbolic significance of the Tanzania–Zambia Railway. Born in the tide of national liberation struggles across Southern Africa, the railway has transcended the scope of an ordinary infrastructure project, embodying the shared aspirations of China, Tanzania, and Zambia for independence, sovereignty, and development. It stands as a monumental testament to the friendship and cooperation between the peoples of the three countries, forged through joint efforts. Amidst the profound changes reshaping the world over the past century, the three parties will work together to inherit and carry forward the spirit of the Tanzania–Zambia Railway, upholding the principles of mutual respect, equal consultation, and co‑construction and shared benefits, and jointly advance the development of the Prosperity Belt, helping the three countries and other nations in the region build modernization.

　　II. Building a “Path to Development.” The three parties will leverage their respective comparative advantages, strengthen cooperation around the Tanzania–Zambia Railway and other corridors, explore the integration of diverse infrastructure resources, develop multimodal transport links, and promote trade among African countries. They support the implementation of China’s initiative to grant zero-tariff treatment to 100 percent of tariff lines for products originating in African countries with which China has diplomatic relations, encourage the localization of production and processing in Africa, expand exports of high-quality goods to China and other markets, and attract greater investment. They will also advance the development of existing industries and industrial parks along railway lines and in surrounding areas, plan and build special economic zones and free-trade zones, foster coordinated development, and contribute to the industrialization of Tanzania and Zambia as well as the modernization of their agricultural sectors.

　　III. Building the “Road of Friendship.” The three parties will, in conjunction with the Belt and Road Initiative, exchange experiences in governance and modernization, promote the rich cultural and tourism resources along the railway routes, and help the world gain a deeper understanding of the diverse civilizations along these corridors.

　　IV. Building the “Road to Prosperity.” The Tanzania–Zambia Railway belongs to the peoples of Tanzania and Zambia, and it also benefits the broader regional population. The construction of the Prosperity Belt will remain firmly anchored in a people-centered approach. The three parties stand ready to collaborate on human resource training and capacity-building, helping local youth and women enhance their vocational skills and employability, and cultivating a larger pool of high-caliber professionals. Furthermore, the three parties will work together to implement livelihood‑oriented projects along the Prosperity Belt, thereby improving the well-being of communities along its route.

　　V. Building a “Green Path.” The three parties will integrate the concept of green development into the Belt and Road Initiative and strengthen ecological and environmental protection along the route. They will enhance cooperation in key areas such as green industries, e‑commerce and payments, science and technology, and artificial intelligence, while deepening standardization collaboration to promote high‑quality, sustainable development of the Belt and Road.

　　VI. Building a “Path of Harmony.” The three parties will uphold a security vision that is common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable, and strive to establish an effective framework conducive to lasting peace and security. Taking the revitalization of the Tanzania–Zambia Railway as an opportunity, they will set an example in fostering a regional development environment characterized by shared prosperity, stability, peace, and harmony. To this end, the three parties will continue to firmly support efforts to address regional challenges to peace and security.

　　To achieve the aforementioned six major objectives, the three parties will adhere to the principles of government guidance, market-driven approaches, enterprise leadership, and multi‑stakeholder participation. They will fully leverage the roles of financial institutions, think tanks, and specialized agencies, encourage and support innovative cooperation models, and promote the comprehensive development of the Belt and Road region. Through bilateral or trilateral diplomatic channels, the three parties will strengthen policy dialogue and coordination, continuously improve the business and investment climate, and urge their respective enterprises to respect local laws, regulations, and cultural norms, while upholding corporate social responsibility. The three parties welcome neighboring countries, as well as other international and regional partners, to join in the development of the Belt and Road and work together to advance regional integration and development.