Overview

The TAZARA (Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority), or Freedom Railway, from Dar es Salaam on the Tanzanian coast to the Copperbelt region of Zambia, was instrumental in fostering one of the most sweeping development transitions in postcolonial Africa. Built during the height of the Cold War, the railway was intended to redirect the mineral wealth of the interior away from routes through South Africa and Rhodesia. Rebuffed by Western aid agencies, newly independent Tanzania and Zambia accepted help from China to construct what would become one of Africa's most vital transportation corridors. The book follows the railroad from design and construction to its daily use as a vital means for moving villagers and goods. It tells a story of how transnational interests contributed to environmental change, population movements, and the rise of local and regional enterprise.

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9780253223227

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Reviews

The depth of material and analysis makes this essential for development studies and especially Chinese-African relations as the People's Republic expands involvement in the continent. Choice This insightful account of transnational infrastructure cooperation will no doubt be welcome reading not only for academics and students, but most importantly for African leaders who have to make critical development choices for the benefit of their own people. American Historical Review Africa's Freedom Railway is an insightful and well-informed book that bares testament to the experience of those Tanzanians and Chinese who worked on TAZARA railway as well as those whose lives have benefitted from its presence. By documenting the experience of those people affected by TAZARA, Monson effectively illustrates how the railway benefitted the majority of Tanzanians. Similarly, the book's wealth of sources enables Monson to write about contemporary Tanzania in a historical context, as TAZARA has shaped the present. African Studies Quarterly E-Jrnl An important contribution to the expanding field of Sino-African Studies. The China Quarterly Africa's Freedom Railway is a valuable addition to the social history of postcolonial Tanzania... This book provides and excellent example to follow. African History An interesting account of a remarkable chapter in the chequered history of Tanzania's development. Tanzanian Affairs An extremely nuanced and textured history of negotiated interests that includes international stakeholders, local actors, and -- importantly - early Chinese policies of development assistance. James McCann, Boston University Blessedly economical and unpretentious... no one else is capable of writing about this region with such nuance. James Giblin, University of Iowa

Author Information

Jamie Monson is Professor of History at Macalester College. She is editor of Women as Food Producers in Developing Countries.

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