The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Angola have officially signed a significant 30-year concession agreement for the vital Dilolo-Sakania railway line. This landmark deal encompasses the comprehensive rehabilitation, modernization, expansion, and subsequent operation of the railway, connecting Dilolo in the DRC’s Lualaba province with Sakania in Haut-Katanga.
Under the terms of this agreement, the Congolese state will maintain full ownership of the railway infrastructure. Furthermore, it will hold a minimum of 10% equity in the project company overseeing the concession. Upon the expiration of the three-decade period, all associated infrastructure will be fully transferred back to the Congolese government.
The concessionaire bears full responsibility for all financing and traffic-related risks, operating without any sovereign guarantees or direct operating subsidies from the Democratic Republic of Congo. President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC has underscored the anticipated national economic benefits, highlighting job creation, youth training initiatives, the engagement of local enterprises, and crucial technology transfer.
This strategic railway corridor is designed to facilitate the transport of a diverse range of goods, extending beyond minerals to include agricultural products, industrial inputs, hydrocarbons, containers, consumer goods, and passenger traffic. It’s a key development in pan-African current affairs, promising significant regional impact.
Both Kinshasa and Luanda are also committed to harmonizing their respective railway operations, standardizing tariffs, and streamlining customs procedures to ensure seamless cross-border movement.
With an estimated cost of 1.2 billion, this ambitious project extends beyond the railway itself. It will be complemented by the development of critical cross-border roads, robust logistics platforms, and essential energy infrastructure. Furthermore, Angola and the DRC are keen to revitalize their cooperation in the hydrocarbon sector and expedite electrical interconnection projects, particularly to bolster energy supply to the vital Katanga region, a significant step in Africa politics English discussions.
