Eng Bruno Ching’andu

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Eng Bruno Ching’andu, Managing Director and CEO, The Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA), Transforming a historic symbol of solidarity into a modern, investment ready corridor.

Eng. Ching’andu has a wealth of experience in the railway sector, having worked for Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) for over 18 years, where he rose through the ranks from Senior Engineer to the position of Director Technical Services. Eng. Ching’andu then worked for 16 years with General Electric (GE) Transportation of the USA, the manufacturers of TAZARA’s mainline Diesel Electric locomotives. He served GE as Regional Manager for East Africa and later as Regional Manager for Southern Africa. Eng. Ching’andu retired from GE to join Bombardier as Business Development Manager for Southern Africa, a position he held for one year before being appointed as CEO for TAZARA in April 2016. 

• What are the planned projects and investment activities along the TAZARA corridor and what is the scope for private sector participation?

The Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) corridor is to undertake a major revitalisation project aimed at modernising infrastructure, enhancing operational efficiency, and unlocking new economic potential through concessioning of the railway operations. Key planned projects and investment activities include:

• A Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model is being finalised with a strategic investor, who will inject capital, provide modern rolling stock, and drive freight operational improvements across the corridor.
• Rehabilitation and modernisation of track infrastructure to increase train speeds and safety, offering opportunities for both local and international contractors.
• Development of dry ports and logistics hubs in strategic locations to support multimodal freight handling and value-added logistics services such as at Dar-es-Salaam and New Kapiri-Mposhi.

The corridor presents strong opportunities for private sector participation in rolling stock leasing, infrastructure development, cargo handling, ICT systems, and real estate development within railway precincts. Strategically linking Zambia to the Port of Dar es Salaam, TAZARA remains an anchor regional corridor with considerable untapped investment potential.

• What key messages will you seek to share with delegates at the Africa PPP Summit?

At the summit, I intend to highlight the following key messages:

• TAZARA is open for business. We are embracing Open Access operations and PPPs as a core strategy for revitalising operations and maximising value for all stakeholders.
• Rail is vital to Africa’s regional integration and trade competitiveness. Investment in rail infrastructure is not just about transport – it is about enabling intra-African trade, reducing logistics costs, and advancing the goals of the AfCFTA.
• Effective PPPs depend on the right environment. Investment in railway infrastructure has over the years been neglected thus leading to poor rail performance. New investment methods are needed and concessioning through PPP is one such model. Strong political will, sound governance, and well-structured, bankable projects are essential for success. We are working closely with our shareholder governments to create that enabling environment.
• TAZARA’s story is entering a new chapter. From a historic symbol of solidarity, we are transforming into a modern, investment-ready corridor – with the private sector at the centre of this evolution.

I look forward to engaging with fellow delegates and forging partnerships that will help shape the future of African infrastructure.