The Influence of Railway Infrastructure on Tanzania-zambia Bilateral Relations: Case Study of Tazara

Abstract

Infrastructure's importance in promoting global trade and international relations among countries has been a major research topic, especially in the context of developing countries. By promoting commerce and providing alternate export and import transportation routes, key transportation infrastructure can improve regional ties, economic growth, and industrial development between nations that share a border. TAZARA, an infrastructure railroad that connects the ports of Dar es Salaam and Kapiri Mposhi, connects Tanzania and Zambia. Because there is a dearth of literature on the impact of TAZARA on Tanzania and Zambia's bilateral relations in terms of promoting trade, transportation, and natural resource exploitation, the study aims to determine how Tazara is affecting the Tanzania and Zambia's bilateral relations. The study is guided by the following objectives: to determine the influence of Railway Infrastructure in facilitation of domestic and international trade Among Tanzania and Zambia, to investigate the impact of Railway Infrastructure in offering both freight and passenger transportation services between and within Tanzania and Zambia and finally to assess the impact of Railway Infrastructure in exploitation of natural resources in Tanzania and Zambia. For a better understanding of the case study under inquiry, the researcher used a descriptive research design. The study's target population included the TAZARA railway line's administration as well as users who rely on the railway for their everyday needs. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data because they were easier to administer and allowed the researcher to get a lot of information from respondents. The study's findings revealed that Tazara is confronting both managerial and market obstacles, and that corrective action is required to address the issues. It was also discovered that Tazara has had a significant impact on internal and international trade, which has boosted both countries' economic prospects. Tazara has had an impact on passenger and freight transit across countries, according to the study, because it is highly reliable, comfortable, and economical. As a result, many passengers and traders rely significantly on it for transit. Finally, Tazara has had a positive impact on natural resource exploitation, as evidenced by increased agricultural and settlement activities in Tanzania's south-western and north-eastern regions, increased deforestation rates, and the development of hydro-power generation and irrigation schemes in transit development areas. As a result, Tazara is a critical infrastructure that has aided rural Tanzanian and Zambian development. According to the study, railway networks improved trade facilitation by harmonizing export and import processes. Furthermore, the transportation infrastructure affects natural resource extraction along the transit route. Tazara should improve its management and operational practices, according to the research, to ensure timeliness and efficiency. Tanzania and Zambia should also give additional money to Tazara in order to update the railway infrastructure and implement new security and operational programs to prevent cargo loss and delays. Finally, the findings show that the Tazara is a critical aspect in Tanzania and Zambia's bilateral relations, since citizens hold the railway in high regard.