Name of the Project
Lobito rail corridor.
Location
The Lobito railway extends across Angola and continues for 400 km into the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to Kolwezi, the heart of the Copperbelt. It also connects with the extensive rail network run by the National Railway Society of the Congo.
Project Owner/s
A 30-year concession has been awarded to Lobito Atlantic Railway consortium comprising Trafigura, Mota-Engil and Vecturis SA.
Project Description
The Lobito rail corridor has great potential to boost the development of sectors along the line, including heavy industry, agriculture and mining, creating new jobs and new opportunities. The railway will connect the Port of Lobito to Luau, in eastern Angola, close to the border of the DRC.
The investment will include 1 555 wagons and 35 locomotives for the Angolan side of the corridor and the investment in training and skills, with dedicated training centres already in place at Huambo and Lobito.
There is the potential to extend the line into Zambia, extending its benefits across the region.
Potential Job Creation
Not stated.
Capital Expenditure
The consortium plans to invest $455-million in Angola and up to $100-million in the DRC.
Planned Start/End Date
Not stated.
Latest Developments
A ceremony took place on July 4, 2023, to mark the start of the transfer of the concession of railway services and support logistics of the Lobito Corridor to Lobito Atlantic Railway.
Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
Not stated.
Contact Details for Project Information
Mota-Engil Press Office, Pedro Arrais, tel +351 214 158 576 or email pedro.arrais@mota-engil.pt.
Trafigura Press Office, tel +41 22 592 4528 or email media@trafigura.com.
Vecturis Press Office, Eric Pfeiffer, tel +32 2 626.26.87 or email epe@vecturis.com.