In a major milestone for regional integration and economic growth, the governments of Zambia and Angola have signed an Intergovernmental Agreement to formalize their cooperation on the Lobito–Zambia Railway Project.
The signing, which took place during the Land-Linked Zambia Conference in Lusaka, marks a turning point for infrastructure-led development in Southern Africa.
This strategic partnership lays the foundation for collaboration on the financing, construction, and operation of the 830-kilometre Luacano–Chingola railway line linking Angola to Zambia.
The railway forms a critical part of the broader Lobito Corridor — a regional logistics platform of growing importance.
It will provide an essential alternative route for transporting minerals, agricultural produce, and general cargo from Zambia’s inland hubs to the Atlantic Ocean.
The new line is expected to ease congestion on existing transport networks, lower costs, and improve efficiency across regional supply chains.
It will also facilitate cross-border mobility, driving trade and advancing economic and social development in both rural and urban areas.
The agreement was ratified by Zambia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, Honourable Frank Tayali, and Angola’s Minister of Transport, Honourable Ricardo Viegas D’Abreu.
Both ministers underscored their governments’ shared commitment to fostering a favourable investment environment and ensuring long-term collaboration.
They pledged to ensure the project’s smooth execution through transparent institutional and legal frameworks while promoting regional value chains and deepening economic integration in Southern Africa.
The ceremony was further elevated by the presence of His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia, who affirmed his government’s strong support for the project.
President Hichilema emphasized that the Lobito–Zambia Railway is not merely a national initiative but a regional catalyst with the potential to drive transformation beyond borders.
He highlighted the project’s role in supporting Zambia’s broader objectives of job creation, industrialisation, and regional connectivity, in line with Africa’s wider development ambitions.
The Lobito–Zambia Railway Project has already generated considerable excitement among businesses and communities both within Africa and beyond.
With supportive policies and continued cooperation between Angola and Zambia, the railway is expected to attract investment, boost trade volumes, and open new economic opportunities along the corridor.
The project also represents a significant step toward achieving the African Union’s vision of a more integrated and prosperous continent.
As construction progresses, the agreement between Angola and Zambia stands as a powerful testament to the benefits of regional cooperation.
The Lobito–Zambia Railway is more than a transport link; it is a symbol of stronger partnerships, economic empowerment, and the shared pursuit of a more connected and thriving Southern Africa.
