The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Angola have officially signed a significant concession agreement for the vital railway line connecting Dilolo in Lualaba province to Sakania in Haut-Katanga. This landmark deal outlines a thirty-year commitment for the rehabilitation, modernization, expansion, and subsequent operation of this crucial rail infrastructure.

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 established for this endeavor. Upon the conclusion of the thirty-year concession period, all rehabilitated and modernized infrastructure will seamlessly revert to the direct control of the Congolese government.

Crucially, the concessionaire is tasked with bearing all financial responsibilities and traffic-related risks without any sovereign guarantees or operational subsidies from the DRC. Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi has underscored the significant national economic benefits anticipated from this project, including substantial job creation, specialized training for young people, increased reliance on local enterprises, and essential technology transfer.

This strategic corridor is designed to facilitate the transportation of a wide array of goods, extending beyond just minerals. It will also be instrumental in moving agricultural products, industrial inputs, hydrocarbons, containerized cargo, consumer goods, and, importantly, passengers, thereby boosting regional trade and connectivity.

Kinshasa and Luanda are also committed to standardizing their railway operations, harmonizing tariff structures, and streamlining customs procedures to ensure seamless cross-border logistics.

With an estimated cost of 1.2 billion US dollars, this ambitious railway initiative will be complemented by a broader infrastructure development plan. This includes the construction of new cross-border roads, the establishment of modern logistics platforms, and the enhancement of energy infrastructure. Both nations are additionally focused on revitalizing their cooperation in the hydrocarbon sector and accelerating electrical interconnection efforts, particularly to bolster power supply to the Katanga region.