Railway link between Angola and Tanzania proposed

President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania and President João Lourenço of Angola announced on October 29 a plan to connect their railway networks. This would create a continuous route from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian Ocean, linking Angola’s Benguela railway with Tanzania’s TAZARA network.

Connecting two major railway networks

The proposed link would connect Angola’s Benguela railway to Tanzania’s TAZARA network, which already runs from Zambia to the port of Dar es Salaam. The route would pass through Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, linking the Atlantic port of Lobito with the Indian Ocean port of Dar es Salaam.

Expanding trade possibilities for landlocked nations

For landlocked countries like Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, this connection could open new trade routes. Their abundant copper and cobalt resources could be transported more efficiently to international markets, reducing dependence on a single maritime outlet.

Diversifying export routes

Currently, copper producers in the Copperbelt region rely on either the Lobito port on the Atlantic or the Dar es Salaam port on the Indian Ocean. A connected railway system would allow exporters to choose between these routes, potentially reducing costs and delays.

International support for infrastructure development

The Lobito corridor, which includes the Benguela railway, has received support from the United States and the European Union. These partners are funding modernization efforts to improve infrastructure and diversify supply chains for strategic minerals like copper and cobalt.

Modernizing the TAZARA network

The TAZARA railway, built in the 1970s with Chinese support, is undergoing a $1.4 billion modernization project. This effort, involving Tanzania and Zambia, aims to improve its capacity to transport goods from the interior to the Indian Ocean port of Dar es Salaam.

Challenges to implementation

Despite the economic potential, the project lacks a detailed timeline or financing plan. Building the necessary infrastructure, harmonizing operations, and ensuring sufficient freight volumes are among the key challenges that must be addressed.

Broader economic and industrial developments

In parallel, various African countries are advancing other economic initiatives. For example, Switch Metals is exploring tantalum production in Issia, while Nigeria’s RSIN group is acquiring iron ore projects. These developments reflect broader efforts to diversify and strengthen regional economies.