ARC Plans $170M Entry into South Africa Rail Sector as Transnet Opens Network to Private Operators A United Arab Emirates–based rail logistics company, African Rail Company (ARC), is preparing to enter South Africa’s freight rail market as Transnet opens its network to private operators under its third-party access framework. ARC is aiming to raise approximately $170 million (about R2.8 billion) to fund the acquisition of locomotives and wagons for operations
Category: Railway News
Zambia to Begin Construction of Lobito Corridor Railway Link in 2026
Zambia to Launch Lobito Corridor Rail Construction in 2026 to Boost Copper and Cobalt Exports Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema has confirmed that construction of a key railway link connecting the country’s mining regions to Angola’s Port of Lobito will begin later this year, marking significant progress on the Lobito Corridor project. Speaking on the sidelines of a conference after a meeting with the African Finance Corporation the project’s main promoter
$1.32 Billion Secured for Lobito Corridor Railway to Link Zambia’s Copperbelt to Global Markets via Angola
Africa Finance Corporation and AfDB Back $5 Billion Lobito Corridor Railway to Connect Zambia Copper Mines to Angola Port The Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have each committed $500 million toward the development of the Lobito Corridor railway project, a strategic infrastructure link designed to connect Zambia’s copper-rich regions to global markets through the Angolan port of Lobito. In addition, Italy will contribute approximately $320
Ghana Secures €20m EU Grant to Upgrade Tema–Mpakadan Rail Signalling System
European Union approves €20 million grant to modernise Ghana’s Tema–Mpakadan railway signalling and boost rail capacity and safety Ghana’s efforts to modernise its rail infrastructure have received a major boost after the European Commission approved a €20 million grant equivalent to approximately $21.6 million to upgrade signalling systems on the Tema–Mpakadan railway line. The funding will support the deployment of the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 1, a technology
Flooding Disrupts Rail Traffic on Lobito Corridor, Halting Key Mineral Export Route
Severe Floods in Angola Suspend Lobito Corridor Rail Operations, Threatening Copper and Cobalt Exports from Central Africa Severe flooding in western Angola has forced the suspension of rail traffic along the Lobito Corridor, disrupting a critical export route for minerals from the region’s mining sector. The line operator, Lobito Atlantic Railway, reported that “significant damage” was sustained to railway infrastructure near the Halo River between Cubal and Caimbambo, approximately 140
U.S. Backs Lobito Corridor Concession as Strategic Project in Partnership with DRC
United States Prioritizes Mota-Engil Concession for DR Congo’s Lobito Corridor to Strengthen Critical Minerals Supply Chains The United States has identified the awarding of the concession for the Congolese segment of the Lobito Corridor to Mota-Engil as a priority initiative under its strategic partnership with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), signed on December 4, 2025. Speaking at the Powering Africa Summit in Washington, D.C. on March 19, 2026,
DRC, Tanzania and Burundi Advance Plans for Electrified Regional Railway Corridor
DRC, Tanzania and Burundi Push Forward with 800 km Electrified Railway Linking Kindu to Dar es Salaam Port The governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, and Burundi are advancing plans to develop an electrified standard-gauge railway connecting Uvinza, Musongati, Gitega, Bujumbura, Uvira, and Kindu as part of a major regional transport initiative in Central and East Africa. On March 31, 2026, transport ministers from the three countries
Chinese Firms Invest $1.24 Billion to Modernize TAZARA Railway Linking Zambia to Indian Ocean Port
China Backs $1.24 Billion TAZARA Rail Upgrade to Secure Copper Exports as US and EU Promote Lobito Corridor Chinese mining, shipping, and logistics companies are joining forces on a $1.24 billion infrastructure project to modernize a major railway connecting Zambia’s copper belt to the port of Dar es Salaam on the Indian Ocean. Leading copper producers CMOC Group Limited and Zijin Mining Group have partnered with state-owned construction giant China
EU Grant Boosts Zambia Railways Modernization and Mining Corridor Rehabilitation
Zambia Railways Secures €50 Million EU Funding to Rehabilitate Key Mining and Freight Rail Lines Zambia Railways Limited has secured a €50 million grant from the European Union to rehabilitate critical sections of the country’s rail network, including the line from Livingstone to Kapiri Mposhi and onward to Ndola. The funding represents the first phase of a broader modernization program, with the European Union already signaling its willingness to support
Zambia Railways Secures Financial Advisor to Drive $60 Million Infrastructure Upgrade
Zambia Railways Partners with Pangaea Securities to Raise $60 Million for Rail Modernization Zambia Railways Limited has appointed Pangaea Securities as Transaction Advisor to help secure US$60 million in financing from Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) and private investors. The funding initiative marks a key step in revitalizing the country’s rail network and strengthening its role in regional trade and logistics. The planned financing will complement a €50 million grant provided