Angola - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

Confronting the China Challenge in Africa: The Lobito Corridor

April 19, 2024April 19, 2024 Constance

The Lobito Corridor project in Africa is a significant infrastructure initiative aimed at creating a vital trade route. It seeks to connect the mineral-rich Democratic Republic of the Congo (“DRC”) and Zambia to Angola’s Atlantic coast port city of Lobito. This project holds particular interest for some Western nations, potentially serving as a counterpoint to China’s expansive Belt and Road Initiative (“BRI”). China remains a dominant economic force in Africa, having invested $1.8 billion in the first half of 2023 alone, marking a year-on-year increase of 4.4 percent. Chinese investments… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Angola Mining in DRC Transport and Logistics

US Calls For Progress On Zambia-Lobito Rail-Line

March 9, 2024March 9, 2024 Constance1 Comment

United States President JOE BIDEN’s Senior Advisor AMOS HOCHSTEIN has called for an accelerated path towards achieving a bankable concession agreement for the new Zambia-Lobito rail line. Mr. HOCHSTEIN says this must be aligned with host country laws, and coordinate additional investment projects that complement and benefit from the core transportation investment. He says the project will also come along with infrastructure investments in digital access, clean energy and energy supply chains, agribusiness and health. Mr. HOCHSTEIN has also expressed optimism that the construction of Lobito corridor will start in… Read More Here

Transport and Logistics Angola Mining in DRC Mining in Zambia

Lobito Atlantic Railway Assumes Control of Benguela Railway Operations

January 30, 2024January 30, 2024 Constance

In a significant development reported on January 25, the Lobito Atlantic Railway S.A. officially assumed operational control of the Benguela Railway, a pivotal rail infrastructure within the Lobito Corridor. The inaugural departure of the first two trains was sanctioned at 5:00, with the Board of Directors of the Caminho de Ferro de Benguela in attendance, as shared on Vecturis’ LinkedIn page. The Lobito Atlantic Railway S.A. represents a collaborative joint venture involving Trafigura, Mota-Engil, and Vecturis, tasked with managing the primary railway concession integral to the Lobito Corridor. A key… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Angola Transport and Logistics

All-American Rail Group Inks MOU to Assist Angola to Extend Northern Corridor Rail to DRC

January 30, 2024January 30, 2024 Constance

On December 9, 2023, the All-American Rail Group (“AARG”) codified its commitment to provide advisory services to Angola’s rail and infrastructure development through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with Angola’s Ministry of Transport. The entire Lobito Corridor project is valued at $4.5 billion and includes infrastructure through more than 340 kilometers (i.e., 830 miles) of land through Angola, the DRC and Zambia. This MOU is related to the Angola portion of the track between Luanda, Angola’s capital, and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) southern city of… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Angola Transport and Logistics

CFM discusses Rail links Between South-Zambia and Namibia

December 9, 2023December 9, 2023 Constance

During the conference titled “Revitalization of Transport and Export Processes for Iron Ore and Ornamental Rocks in Southern Angola” on December 7th in Menongue, 84 attendees stressed the critical necessity of establishing railway connections in the region. Their focus was on expanding the Moçâmedes Railway (CFM) to create links between Menongue-Malanje (extending further to Zambia) and connecting Namibe to a terminal in Namibia. They urged for a link between Menongue-Malanje (leading to Zambia) via the Moçâmedes Railway (CFM) and another connection from Namibe to Namibia’s terminal. The initiative not only… Read More Here

Transport and Logistics Angola Infrastructural Development Mining in DRC Mining in Zambia

The Lobito Corridor: Washington’s Answer to Belt and Road in Africa

November 24, 2023November 27, 2023 Constance

Launched a decade ago, China’s Road and Belt Initiative is a colossal infrastructure and economic development project spanning across Asia, Europe, and Africa. To date, 52 African governments signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with China regarding the BRI and the initiative has translated into billions of dollars invested in the construction of roads, ports, railways, and other critical infrastructure. These projects are not only enhancing connectivity within the continent but also providing China with unprecedented access to Africa’s vast mineral wealth, particularly in countries like Zambia and the Democratic Republic… Read More Here

Angola Transport and Logistics

Porto do Lobito on a trade Facilitation platform

November 24, 2023November 24, 2023 Constance

The Lobito Port Company officially joined the Single Window for Trade Facilitation (SWIFT) on Monday, November 20th, by signing a protocol with the International Maritime Organization (IMO). This step integrates the Angolan company into a global platform for the sector, ushering in the era of the “paperless port” concept. This accession means that the Lobito Port Company will now operate within a platform shared by global port authorities and companies. This electronic interaction streamlines the process, allowing for a single declaration of necessary information for ship docking, as described by… Read More Here

Angola Partnership Transport and Logistics

World Bank Collaborates with Benguela Railways on Lobito Corridor Implementation

November 17, 2023November 17, 2023 Constance

A team from the World Bank partnered with Benguela Railways’ leadership to understand the Lobito Corridor’s implementation process. During the engagement, Mosheta Lukombo, the administrator overseeing Administration and Finance at CFB, elucidated that the Lobito Atlantic Railway consortium, managing the Lobito Corridor, plays a vital role in regional integration, infrastructure enhancement, and facilitating the transportation of large goods. The World Bank delegation visited the Lobito Atlantic Railway consortium’s workshops within the public company, including the operations control center. They assessed the preparedness of the equipment essential to support train circulation… Read More Here

Transport and Logistics Angola Mining in DRC Mining in Zambia

Railway Expansion Enhances Trade and Cooperation Between Angola and Zambia

November 6, 2023November 6, 2023 Constance

The expansion of the railway line from Munhango to Luau, including sections of Marco 25 to the commune of Lumbala Caquengue in Moxico, holds the promise of bolstering trade and investment between Angola and Zambia. These sentiments were expressed by the Governor of the Angolan province of Moxico, Ernesto Muangala, during the 1st Forum for Regional Cooperation and Cultural Exchange between the provinces of Moxico and Northwest Zambia, which commenced in Luena. During the forum, Robert Lihefu, the Minister of the Zambian province, emphasized the need for support infrastructures along… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Angola Battery Metals Mining in Zambia Partnership Transport and Logistics

EU Signs Crucial Partnerships with DRC and Zambia for Sustainable Raw Materials Value Chains

October 27, 2023October 27, 2023 Constance

At the recent “Global Gateway” forum in Brussels, Jutta Urpilainen, the European Union’s Commissioner for international partnerships, signed significant memoranda of understanding with key African counterparts. On October 26, 2023, she joined hands with the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Minister of Transport, Marc Ekila Likombo, for a partnership on critical and strategic raw materials value chains. Furthermore, a strategic partnership on sustainable raw materials value chains was established with Zambia’s Minister of Finance, Situmbeko Musokotwane. This momentous event follows the G20 Summit in New Delhi, India, in September 2023, where… Read More Here