Trends in Rail Transport in Zambia and Tanzania

Abstract

Rail transport in Africa began in the colonial days. The lines were built partly for military reasons and partly to allow exploitation of mineral deposits, export of farm products, and import of manufactured goods. Built inland from the coast, they were not designed for inter-country trade nor were they ideal for internal economic development. They were built cheaply, and to a narrow gauge of 1.067 meters (3 ½feet) in the British colonies (but not in all) and 1 meter in most others. After independence one major line (Tazara) was built, some lines were extended, and some connecting lines built. On the whole, however, despite some improvements, in many respects most systems have deteriorated in recent decades. It is the purpose of this paper to review the recent experience in detail in Zambia and Tanzania.