The Impact of Improving Railway Station Infrastructure on Zambia’s Economic Development

Infrastructure of railway systems plays an important role in every country’s economic development, especially countries like Zambia that are landlocked and rely heavily on transport systems for economic activity and economic growth [7]. This research studies the impact of adding improvements to railway infrastructure on Zambia’s economic development, focusing particularly on Railway station infrastructure. Zambia’s railway systems, comprising of Zambia Railways LTD and TAZARA, is one of the oldest railway systems in Africa. It has however suffered from decades of neglect, aging infrastructure, poor maintenance, lack of modernization, lack of investment and underutilization of railway stations.

Previous studies on railway infrastructure in Africa have focused on transport efficiency and logistics. However, fewer studies focus on the station as a civic space with social and economic impact. This research uses mixed methods of research. Using case studies of train stations and field research such as site visits, interviews with key stakeholders such as Zambia railways LTD, cargo transportation clients and rail passengers, provides insights on railways station infrastructure in Zambia.

The research findings showed that railway stations in Zambia lack commercial spaces such as restaurants, ATMs, shops etc. that can attract users beyond passengers in transit, that can contribute to economic activities [19]. This research also explores how modern and functional railway station infrastructure contributes to attraction investments, reducing transport costs, encouraging exports and creation jobs.