Africa’s railway sector is undergoing a remarkable transformation, driven by ambitious infrastructure projects that aim to unlock the continent’s vast mineral wealth and strengthen global trade connections. At the heart of this renaissance is the development of strategic transport corridors that are rapidly reshaping regional logistics. In June 2025, the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) secured a €250 million, 10-year loan from Italian development finance institution Cassa Depositi e Prestiti. The
Category: Railway News
DRC Highlights Strategic Role of Lobito Corridor at US-Africa Business Summit
At the 17th US-Africa Business Summit, which opened on Monday, June 23, 2025, in Luanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) reaffirmed the strategic importance of the Lobito Corridor in its economic transformation ambitions. Representing President Félix Tshisekedi, Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Transport, Jean-Pierre Bemba, emphasized that this rail corridor—linking southern DRC to the Atlantic Ocean via Angola’s port of Lobito—provides “a direct and vital access” to global
Simandou Railway Tunnel Breakthrough Marks Major Milestone in Guinea’s Mining Project
The Simandou mining project in Guinea-Conakry has achieved a significant milestone with the successful breakthrough of a key tunnel on the Transguinean Railway’s connector route. The announcement was made on June 20 during a ceremony held in Beyla Prefecture, attended by government officials, local leaders, and project partners. “This tunnel breakthrough represents a major step forward in the construction of the Simandou railway,” said Ibrahima Souley Camara, Prefect of Beyla.
Lobito Corridor Gains Global Momentum as Zambia Deepens EU-Italy Partnerships
Zambia has strengthened its global development partnerships following a high-level summit on the Mattei Plan and the European Union’s Global Gateway, held in Rome. The meeting, co-hosted by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, reaffirmed Italy and the EU’s support for Zambia through the transformative Lobito Corridor Project. Representing Zambia at the summit was Minister of Finance and National Planning, Hon. Dr. Situmbeko
$15 Million in Environmental Funding Expected for Lobito Corridor by Year-End
A total of 15 million US dollars is expected to be made available by the end of this year to support environmental initiatives and projects along the Lobito Corridor, announced the Vice-Governor for the Technical and Infrastructure Sector on Monday in Cuito. According to José Fernando Tchatuvela, who shared the news during a meeting with a multi-sectoral delegation from the Angolan Government visiting Bié Province, the funding is part of
$1 Billion Lobito Corridor Impact Platform Launched to Drive Private-Sector Growth Across Angola, DRC, and Zambia
The Lobito Corridor Impact Development Platform (LCID)—a new $1 billion private-sector–driven initiative—has officially launched, backed by an initial $100 million joint commitment from entrepreneur Haim Taib and Angola’s Sovereign Wealth Fund (FSDEA). Focused on the Lobito Corridor, this platform aims to accelerate inclusive and sustainable development across Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Zambia. LCID is designed to enhance U.S.-Africa cooperation through targeted investments in agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare,
Russia Eyes Africa’s Rail Future with Strategic Infrastructure Push
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,
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