Mining & Critical Minerals
Copper from the Zambian Copperbelt and critical minerals essential to the global energy transition - moving efficiently to Atlantic shipping routes.
Project Overview
Completing the
Trans-African Corridor
A c.830km greenfield rail line connecting Chingola, Zambia to Luacano, Angola - bridging the Benguela line to the Zambia Railways network and unlocking Atlantic and Indian Ocean trade.
Strategic Context
One corridor. Two oceans. Three continents of opportunity.
The Zambia Lobito Railway (ZLR) is a c.830km greenfield rail line from Chingola, Zambia to Luacano in Angola, connecting to the existing Benguela line and the Zambia Railways network - thereby completing the Trans-African rail corridor.
This AFC-led development will establish a critical trade route for copper, critical minerals, agricultural products, petroleum and general cargo, connecting inland Southern African countries to international markets via the Port of Lobito on the Atlantic coast. The development is set to reduce transit times to 7 days, down from up to 16 days via alternative corridors.
- Project Route - Luacano, Angola to Chingola, Zambia
- Distance - c. 830km of new greenfield rail
- Lead Developer - Africa Finance Corporation (AFC)
- Transit Time - 6–7 days (vs. 16 days via alternatives)
The ZLR bridges the existing Benguela line in Angola and the Zambia Railways network, opening Atlantic and Indian Ocean trade routes.
Cargo & Capacity
Built for freight that builds nations.
Agriculture
Anchoring agricultural production targets across Angola and Zambia - opening new export markets for local farmers.
Petroleum
Reliable inland distribution of petroleum products to Southern Africa's industrial and consumer markets.
General Freight
Containerised and general cargo - manufactured goods, equipment and consumer products moving in both directions along the corridor.
Project Overview
Completing the Trans-African Rail Corridor
Hover any station to explore the corridor. The 830km railways line under development connects the existing Benguela railway in Angola to Zambia's Copperbelt - bridging the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
Station
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ZLR - new corridor (830 km)
Benguela Railway - existing
Zambia Railways - existing
Tazara Railway - existing
Click any station for more detail
The Zambia Lobito Railway (ZLR)
The Zambia Lobito Railway (ZLR) is a c.830km greenfield rail line from Chingola, Zambia to Luacano in Angola, connecting to the existing Benguela line and the Zambia Railways network - thereby completing the Trans-African rail corridor.
This AFC-led development will establish a critical trade route for copper, critical minerals, agricultural products, petroleum and general cargo, connecting inland Southern African countries to international markets via the Port of Lobito on the Atlantic coast. The development is set to reduce transit times to 7 days, down from up to 16 days via alternative corridors.
Completed
- Sep 2024Feasibility study completed
- Sep 2024Concession agreements signed
- 2024–25Approval of E&S Scoping studies
- Apr 2025Intergovernmental Agreement executed
Completed
- Oct 2025Satisfaction of Stage 1 CP under the Zambia Concession Agreement
- Apr 2026Completion of ESIA, RAP (incl. BAP & SEP) View disclosure →
- May 2026Completion of valuation exercise & execution of consent forms with PAPs
- May 2026AfDB Board Approval of an initial tranche of funding
Ongoing
- Q3 2026EPC contractor selection
- Q4 2027Signed MoUs for rail usage (c. 1 million tonnes)
- Q4 2027Integration with existing infrastructure
Scheduled
- Q3 2026Commencement of financing process
- Q1 2027O&M contractor selection
- Q2 2027 – Q2 2028De-mining activities in Angola
- Q4 2027Financial close
Route Map - Chingola to Luacano
ESIA Disclosure
The full Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) are being undertaken by Insuco.
The project adheres to IFC Performance Standards, the AfDB Integrated Safeguards System, the Equator Principles, and World Bank Group EHS Guidelines.
EPC Tender for the Zambia Lobito Railway
EPC tender across three strategic components:
- Lot 1a - Civils & Plate Laying (Angola)
- Lot 1b - Civils & Plate Laying (Zambia)
- Lot 2 - Signalling, Systems & Rolling Stock
