Alexandre Canas Discusses Lobito Railway’s Strategic Importance at US-Africa Business Summit
Last week, Alexandre Canas, the country manager for Angola at Trafigura, participated in the Corporate Council on Africa’s US-Africa Business Summit held in Dallas.
At the summit, Canas joined Angola’s Minister of Transport, Ricardo Viegas D’Abreu, on an AIPEX Angola-led panel to discuss the strategic significance of the Lobito railway.
Trafigura is part of the consortium awarded a 30-year concession to operate the 1,300km Lobito railway, which traverses Angola to the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. This railway is poised to become a vital link for trade and transportation across the region.
The Lobito railway is currently under consideration for US development financing and has garnered support from three African governments.
Investment in rolling stock and infrastructure promises to create a faster, more efficient route to market for copper and other critical metals sourced from the Copperbelt region.
“Mineral exports from the Copperbelt have historically faced logistical challenges, often necessitating lengthy journeys by road. With the Lobito Atlantic Railway, the transportation time for critical minerals can be reduced to approximately 5-8 days once the railway is fully operational,” explained Alexandre Canas.
The ambitious vision includes reaching a capacity of six trains per day into and out of the Democratic Republic of Congo within the next five years.
This revitalized railway system is expected to serve as a catalyst for economic growth, generating employment opportunities and fostering development in various industries across the region.
As Trafigura and its partners continue to invest in the Lobito railway project, they are committed to unlocking the economic potential of the region and facilitating sustainable development for years to come.
