The Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola have formally entered into a significant concession agreement for the Dilolo-Sakania railway line. This comprehensive 30-year accord outlines the extensive rehabilitation, strategic modernization, capacity expansion, and operational management of this critical railway axis, connecting Dilolo in Lualaba province to Sakania in Haut-Katanga province.

Under the terms of this deal, the Congolese state will maintain ownership of the underlying infrastructure and secure at least a 10% stake in the project company’s capital. Upon the conclusion of the three-decade concession period, all railway assets are slated to revert fully to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The concessionaire bears full responsibility for all financial commitments and operational risks associated with traffic, operating without any sovereign guarantees or direct operating subsidies from the DRC. President Félix Tshisekedi of the Congo underscored the anticipated national economic benefits, highlighting prospects for job creation, youth training initiatives, engagement of local enterprises, and vital technology transfer.

This vital railway corridor is designed to facilitate the efficient transportation of a diverse range of goods, including minerals, agricultural produce, industrial inputs, hydrocarbons, containerized cargo, consumer products, and also serve passenger travel needs.

Furthermore, authorities in Kinshasa and Luanda are committed to synchronizing their respective railway operations, standardizing tariffs, and streamlining customs procedures to ensure seamless cross-border logistics.

Valued at an estimated 1.2 billion, this ambitious undertaking extends beyond rail, envisioning complementary cross-border road networks, advanced logistical hubs, and robust energy infrastructure. Both nations also aim to rejuvenate their collaboration in the hydrocarbon sector and expedite electrical grid interconnections, particularly to bolster power supply to the resource-rich Katanga region.