PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema says Zambia cannot fully benefit from major development projects such as the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA) rehabilitation if the country’s electricity challenges are not resolved.
Speaking when China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) Group Chairman Dai Hegen paid a courtesy call on him at State House yesterday, President Hichilema said every major economic plan the country is pursuing depends on reliable power to succeed.
The Head of State said Zambia is ready to modernise TAZARA, open the Kapiri Mposhi dry port and expand mining and agriculture along the corridor, but warned that all these intentions will stall without enough electricity.
“Pay particular attention to our energy situation because all these projects need reliable electricity,” President Hichilema said.
The President explained that Zambia has been affected by low water levels and aging infrastructure, which have squeezed power supply and slowed down development in several sectors.
President Hichilema said he wants technical teams from both countries to immediately begin working on possible solutions, including renewable energy projects.
“Before you depart, our team will engage you on your capacity and willingness to help us generate more power, including solar,” the President told CRCC chairman.
The President also urged that development along the TAZARA corridor should not wait for the railway works to finish but must move side by side with the rehabilitation programme.
“We must start other development projects at the same time we start fixing the railway because waiting for the whole line to be completed will only delay progress,” President Hichilema said.
Meanwhile, CRCC Chairman Dai Hegen assured President Hichilema that his company is ready to deepen cooperation with both Zambia and Tanzania to ensure that TAZARA is rebuilt with quality standards.
“To date, our company has completed more than 20 projects in Zambia with a total contract value exceeding US$1 billion,” Hegen said.
He said their operations have created thousands of local jobs over the years, reinforcing the value of long-term cooperation with Zambia and Tanzania.
Chairman Dai assured the President that CRCC is committed to strengthening cooperation with Zambia and exploring opportunities beyond rail construction.
President Hichilema said he looks forward to further discussions with the Chinese Premier, Li Qiang who arrives in the country tomorrow for the signing of documents to mark the official commencement of the TAZARA revitalisation programme with Tanzania.
By George Musonda
Kalemba November 18, 2025
