As Moscow accelerates its economic engagement in Africa, Russian Railways (RZD) is targeting four strategic countries—Burkina Faso, Ghana, South Africa, and Libya—to develop and modernize rail infrastructure. This initiative is part of a broader geopolitical shift positioning Africa as a critical partner in Russia’s evolving global strategy. According to Sputnik Afrika, RZD is advancing railway construction and modernization projects across the continent, aligning with Moscow’s ambition to deepen trade ties,
Category: Railway News
Impending Transnet Strike Threatens to Disrupt South African Cargo Movement
Shippers across South Africa have been advised to brace for widespread disruptions in cargo movement due to planned strike action by the United National Transport Union (Untu), the largest labour body representing workers at state-owned logistics company Transnet. In a logistics advisory to clients, freight forwarder Heneways warned that the industrial action could significantly impact national freight and logistics operations. The notice outlined several likely consequences, including: Delays in cargo
Lobito Corridor Platform Launched to Drive $1 Billion Investment in African Growth
The Angola Sovereign Wealth Fund (FSDEA), in partnership with entrepreneur Haim Taib — Founder of the international firm Mitrelli and the Menomadin Group — has launched a $1 billion investment initiative to accelerate development along the Lobito Corridor. This vital trade route spans Angola, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The new initiative, named the Lobito Corridor Impact Development (LCID) platform, will operate as an independent investment
Zambia Railways Seeks Strategic Rail Partnerships at Africa Rail Conference
Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) has hailed the ongoing Africa Rail Conference in Johannesburg as a valuable platform to engage with key industry players and forge strategic partnerships aimed at strengthening Zambia’s railway system. ZRL Managing Director, Eng. Cuthbert Malindi, speaking from the conference, said the Zambian delegation is actively involved in high-level discussions and networking sessions with global stakeholders. He emphasized that a robust and efficient rail network is essential
U.S. Commits $6 Billion to Boost Southern Africa’s Lobito Corridor
The United States has announced the mobilization of nearly $6 billion to support the development of the Lobito Corridor—a key transport infrastructure project linking Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Zambia. The announcement was made on Saturday, May 10, 2025, by the U.S. State Department via its official account on the social platform X (formerly Twitter). The funding is designated for the development and construction of the Lobito
Lobito Atlantic Railway Transports Over 50,000 Tonnes of Cargo in First Quarter
Lobito Atlantic Railway (LAR) transported 50,235 tonnes of cargo between January and March 2025. Of this total, 18,202 tonnes were minerals, primarily copper. The operator of the Lobito Corridor has set an ambitious goal to reach one million tonnes of diverse cargo. In 2024, the corridor moved 125,000 tonnes of cargo, including 40,000 tonnes of copper. LAR is an Angolan company with a 20-year renewable concession to operate the Lobito
UK Ambassador Praises Lobito Corridor as a Catalyst for Angola’s Economic and Regional Integration
The United Kingdom’s Ambassador to Angola, Bharat Joshi, has described the Lobito Corridor as a key infrastructure project for Angola’s economic growth and Southern Africa’s regional integration. Speaking on Wednesday in Luanda during the Angola–UK Business Forum, the diplomat highlighted the project’s transformative potential for millions living in historically underserved regions. “After visiting Benguela three times and meeting various partners in Lobito, I came to understand the true scale of
Lobito Corridor Investment Opportunities Presented in Huambo
Angola’s Ministries of Transport and Planning joined forces to host a seminar last Friday in the city of Huambo, aimed at showcasing the investment potential and opportunities along the Lobito Corridor. Held at the Manuel Rui Monteiro Cultural Center, the event focused on presenting the Railway Branch Line and Freight Terminal Project of the Caála Logistics Platform. It brought together local entrepreneurs from various sectors, including agriculture, livestock, transport, and
DRC Launches Tender to Revive Key Northeastern Railway Corridor
The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has launched an international tender to restore and modernize the Bumba–Aketi–Buta–Mungbere railway, an 870-kilometre line in the northeastern part of the country. The tender was officially announced on May 2, 2025, by the Ministry of Transport in Kinshasa. This narrow-gauge railway (0.60 meters), with rails ranging from 18 to 33 kg/m, was once a backbone of the regional economy, transporting agricultural and
Lobito Corridor: A Strategic Leap for African-Led Infrastructure and Regional Trade
The recent signing of the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between Zambia and Angola marks a pivotal milestone in the development of the Lobito Corridor—one of Africa’s most ambitious and transformative infrastructure initiatives. Witnessed by the highest levels of both governments, the agreement affirms a joint commitment to develop, finance, construct, and operate an 830-kilometre railway from Luacano in Angola to Chingola in Zambia. For decades, Africa’s capacity to independently envision and