Congo-Kinshasa: DRC Sees Lobito Corridor As Tool for Economic Sovereignty

Kinshasa — President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) called for the Lobito Corridor to serve as a means for economic sovereignty during a press conference with his Angolan counterpart on Wednesday. The pair witnessed the signing of a railway concession agreement for the corridor's development in the DRC.

Tshisekedi emphasized that the agreement, between the DRC and Portuguese firm Mota-Engil Africa, is a start, not an end, and aims to foster African integration, economic independence, and improved conditions for the population. The railway line, stretching 1,004.5 kilometers, will pass through key cities like Kolwezi, Tenke, and Lubumbashi, its primary focus being the mining, industrial, and agricultural heartland of the country.

An estimated US$1.258 billion in investment will be used for feasibility studies, rehabilitation, modernization, expansion, operation, and maintenance of the line, with a 30-year operating period. Upon completion, the infrastructure will be handed over to the Congolese government under pre-set contract conditions. Despite this, Tshisekedi stressed that the National Railways Company of the Congo (SNCC) will not be privatized, nor will a railway monopoly be created, as the line will remain accessible to qualified operators under fair, non-discriminatory terms. The SNCC will retain exclusive passenger transport rights and freight operations.