Lobito Atlantic Railway secures USD753 million to accelerate development in Angola
Lobito, Angola, 17 December 2025 - Lobito Atlantic Railway (“LAR”) today announced it has secured USD753 million in financing from the US International Development Financial Corporation (DFC) and the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) to support the rehabilitation of the 1,300 km railway in Angola, which connects the Mineral Terminal at the Port of Lobito to Luau on Angola’s border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The loan will enable upgrades to the railway’s track infrastructure, workshops, signalling systems, and rolling stock — enhancing the capacity, efficiency and reliability of the shortest and most direct import-export route between the Copperbelt mining region of the DRC and international markets via the Atlantic Ocean.
Nicholas Fournier, Chief Executive Officer of LAR, commented: “This financing from the DFC and DBSA marks a major milestone in our vision to establish the Lobito Corridor as Africa’s premier trade route. The funding will enable LAR to significantly expand capacity, improve efficiency, and strengthen economic connectivity across Angola and the wider region.”
The Lobito Railway serves a diverse portfolio of mining companies, regional traders, and business and logistics operators, providing access to global markets for metals and minerals mined in the DRC through the world-class deepwater port of Lobito.
Beyond its role as a vital export route for critical metals and minerals, LAR also functions as a critical import gateway, positioning the corridor as a powerful catalyst for domestic and regional economic growth across sub-Saharan Africa.
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Dina Cortinhas +244 912 888 159 - dcortinhas@jlma.co.ao or media@trafigura.com
Notes to editors
- The Lobito Atlantic Railway (LAR) is an Angolan rail operator with an independent, highly experienced management team specialising in railway infrastructure.
- Under a 30-year concession, LAR is responsible for modernising, maintaining, and operating the 1,300 km railway line that connects the Port of Lobito to Luau on Angola’s border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
- LAR also operates the Porto do Lobito Mineral Terminal, which connects to the railway line, providing faster and more efficient service in one of the most uncongested ports on the Atlantic coast.
- LAR provides efficient rail transport services to commercial clients, both domestic and international. This access enables mining companies, private operators, logistics providers, and regional traders to use the railway for seamless cargo movement, with access to global markets.
- LAR is owned by Lobito Atlantic Holdings (LAH), a consortium composed of the European companies Trafigura, Mota-Engil, and Vecturis.