EU Grants €50 Million to Revamp Railways

The European Union has pledged €50 million towards rehabilitating the railway line from Livingstone to Ndola, in a move expected to boost regional trade and cut transport costs.

The funding was announced following a tour of the Ngwerere to Lusaka railway section by European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Sikela, who reaffirmed the EU's commitment to supporting infrastructure development across Africa.

"Modernising Zambia's logistics infrastructure will strengthen not only the country's economy but also Europe's global trade partnerships," said Karl Nehammer, Vice President of the European Investment Bank.

Transport and Logistics Minister Frank Tayali welcomed the investment, describing the railway rehabilitation as crucial to economic transformation.

"This project will lower the cost of doing business, improve our competitiveness, and reduce pressure on our road networks," Mr Tayali said.

The initiative is expected to position the country as a key logistics hub in Southern Africa, facilitating smoother movement of goods across the region.

Emmanuel Hachipuka, Board Chairperson of Zambia Railways Limited, emphasized the urgency of revamping operations across the national rail network.

"We need deliberate interventions to restore efficiency and bring our railways back to their former glory," Mr Hachipuka said.

The Livingstone-Ndola line is one of the country's main freight corridors, and its rehabilitation is seen as vital to supporting mining industry and broader economic growth.