Chinese Resource Battle Over Africa’s Railways Unfolds

China and the West are embroiled in a tense rivalry over Africa’s railway systems. The once-thriving infrastructure, such as the Tanzania-Zambia railway line, now stands dilapidated as a testament to failed development dreams in central Africa. Originally constructed by China during the Cold War era, the Tazara line is getting a second chance amidst the growing tension between China and the West fuelled by President Xi’s ambitious “belt and road initiative”. This initiative serves as a direct counter to a rival project backed by President Trump’s administration. Opening in 1976, the Tazara line witnessed a convergence of ambitions between Zambia’s…