The Lobito Atlantic Railway (LAR) is a joint venture, operating trains along the Benguela railway corridor.

Route

The railway runs from Lobito, on Angola's Atlantic coast, 1300km westwards to Kolwezi in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with a connection to Zambia.

Joint venture

The Lobito Atlantic Railway is a joint venture between Trafigura, Mota-Engil, and Vecturis, an independent rail operator. Trafigura plans to invest $455 million in Angola and up to $100 million in Congo.[1][2]

We see the Lobito rail corridor as a partnership between the private and public sectors. A partnership of three countries – Angola, the DRC and Zambia and of three companies – Trafigura, Vecturis and Mota-Engil

— Jeremy Weir, Trafigura executive chairman and CEO[3]

The United States International Development Finance Corporation is considering a $250m investment.[4]

Operations

The company was awarded the concession to manage the Lobito rail corridor for 30 years in 2022.[1] A ceremony was held in Lobito on 4 July 2023 to mark the transfer, attended by the Presidents of Angola, Congo, and Zambia.[1][5][6]

The LAR will provide "a faster and safer route" for passenger trains in Angola, including the "Ombaka Express".[7] There are also plans to improve connectivity for copper and cobalt mines in Congo,[8] especially Kamoa-Kakula.[9]

The railway will use at least 1555 wagons and 30 locomotives in Angola; more, if Congo is included.[10]

References

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