Ricardo D’Abreu, Angola’s Minister of Transport, has reiterated the government’s commitment to connecting the country’s three main national rail corridors, signaling a significant step towards enhancing transportation infrastructure.
These corridors encompass the Northern Corridor, spanning the provinces of Luanda, Cuanza-Norte, and Malange; the Central Corridor, famously known as the Lobito Corridor, traversing Benguela, Huambo, Bié, and Moxico provinces; and the Southern Corridor, stretching from Moçâmedes in Namibe to Menongue in Cuando Cubango.
D’Abreu disclosed that the government is currently conducting a comprehensive study for the project, with the subsequent focus on determining the financing mechanism.
He revealed plans to issue a tender for the Southern Corridor later this year, outlining the obligations for the future concessionaire in alignment with investment requirements.
Highlighting ongoing efforts, D’Abreu emphasized that work on the Lobito Corridor Master Plan is underway.
Collaboration with a US railway team aims to facilitate its full operation, extending connectivity to the provinces of Zaire, Lunda-Norte, and Lunda-Sul.
Acknowledging challenges, particularly in densely populated areas like Luanda, D’Abreu stressed ongoing initiatives to address issues such as interference on the rail lines through awareness campaigns, educational programs, and enforcement of discipline.
Furthermore, D’Abreu emphasized the inclusion of national companies, particularly micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, in these transformative projects, ensuring broad-based participation and economic empowerment across Angola.
