China has pledged $1 billion to revitalize the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (Tazara) to boost mineral exports from Zambia, Angola, and the DRC. President Xi Jinping aims to strengthen the East African sea-rail transport network and elevate Tanzania as a model for China-Africa cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. Recently, Tanzania joined the BRI, enhancing their strategic partnership with China.
On the other hand, the US is pushing the Lobito Corridor to counter China’s influence in the region. The project aims to connect the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean through Tanzania, focusing on sustainable economic growth rather than accruing debt. Partners like the African Development Bank and the European Union are involved in the Lobito Corridor, which will facilitate trade and investment across Africa.
Both China and the US are racing to secure access to critical minerals for electric vehicle production, making Tanzania a crucial hub in the battle for resources. The renewed interest in these projects highlights the growing importance of African infrastructure in the global economy.
Source link