KINSHASA — September 10, 2026 — Presidential spokesperson Tina Salama says the Lobito Corridor should become much more than a railway for exporting minerals from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
In a video edition of Le GRAND Décryptage, Salama explained that the project is intended to create jobs, expand regional trade, improve transport links and stimulate economic activity in communities located along the corridor.
The infrastructure network connects mineral-producing regions in the DRC and Zambia to the Atlantic coast through Angola and the port of Lobito.
Her comments follow discussions between President Félix Tshisekedi and Angolan President João Lourenço aimed at accelerating implementation of the regional transport corridor.
From More Than a Month to About One Week
According to Salama, freight moving from Zambia through the DRC toward the Atlantic can currently take more than a month.
The government hopes the Lobito route could eventually reduce that journey to approximately one week.
Faster transportation could lower logistics costs, increase trade volumes and make Congolese exports more competitive in international markets.
It could also reduce the heavy dependence on road transport that places pressure on major highways and urban roads.
More Than a Route for Exporting Copper and Cobalt
Salama emphasized that the Congolese government does not want the corridor to become simply another system for moving copper, cobalt and other raw materials out of Africa.
Instead, the administration of President Tshisekedi wants economic activity generated by the railway to benefit Congolese communities.
The government’s stated priorities include local employment, small and medium-sized businesses, women and young people, agriculture, electricity, water access, ecotourism and industrial value chains.
Salama described the objective as promoting “inclusive and sustainable growth.”
That would mean encouraging more processing, production and commercial activity inside the DRC rather than relying mainly on the export of unprocessed natural resources.
Around $2 Billion Expected Around the Wider Corridor
Salama said approximately $2 billion is being mobilized for investments linked to transportation and local economic development across the wider Lobito Corridor.
She pointed particularly to support associated with the United States and the European Union.
The corridor has attracted international attention because it provides a western transport route connecting some of Africa’s most important copper and cobalt-producing regions to the Atlantic Ocean.
For the DRC, the government hopes international investment will not stop with railway construction.
The broader ambition includes railway stations, commercial centers, special economic zones, agriculture and local infrastructure projects along the route.
Dilolo–Sakania Railway at the Heart of the DRC Section
One of the most important components of the Congolese section is the planned modernization of the Dilolo–Sakania railway.
The line extends for more than 1,000 kilometres and represents an investment estimated at more than $1 billion.
It is expected to strengthen connections between major mining and industrial centers including Kolwezi, Tenke and Lubumbashi, before linking with Angola’s transport network toward Lobito.
The project forms part of the broader Lobito Corridor development strategy.
DRC Expected to Hold a Stake in the Railway Concession
According to the framework described by Salama, the DRC would hold a 10% stake in the concession arrangement.
She also said the Congolese state would receive a royalty equivalent to 7.5% of gross revenue.
The Société Nationale des Chemins de fer du Congo (SNCC) would retain responsibility for passenger transportation while preserving its rights related to freight operations.
Under the arrangement outlined by Salama, the renovated railway infrastructure would ultimately return to the Congolese state when the concession expires.
Government Expects More Revenue From Trade
The DRC Presidency also sees the corridor as an opportunity to increase public revenue.
Salama cited institutions including the DGDA, OGEFREM and OCC, saying increased trade and export volumes could broaden the revenue base available to the Congolese Treasury.
Higher freight volumes could generate more customs revenue, while new businesses around stations and economic zones could create additional tax activity.
The government also hopes improved infrastructure will encourage agricultural production and other commercial activity outside the mining sector.
Jobs and Local Business Are Central to the Government’s Message
For Kinshasa, one of the most important questions is whether communities along the route will directly benefit from the billions of dollars invested in infrastructure.
Salama said the government’s approach emphasizes Congolese workers, SMEs, women and young people.
The goal is to turn the railway into a broader economic platform rather than a narrow mineral-export channel.
That could involve businesses supplying food, logistics, maintenance, construction, processing, accommodation and other services to industries operating along the corridor.
Less Pressure on Roads
Moving more freight by rail could also reduce pressure on the DRC’s road network.
Heavy trucks transporting minerals and other goods contribute to congestion and wear on major transport routes.
If more cargo shifts to rail, the government hopes roads could be used more efficiently for passenger traffic and domestic commerce.
Rail transport can also handle large freight volumes more efficiently over long distances.
The Bigger Question: Can DRC Capture More Value From Its Minerals?
The DRC holds some of the world’s most important reserves of cobalt, copper and other minerals used in modern industry and the global energy transition.
Historically, however, much of the country’s mineral wealth has been exported with limited processing inside the country.
The Tshisekedi administration says the Lobito Corridor should help change that model.
Rather than benefiting mainly from extraction, the government wants the DRC to capture more value through processing, infrastructure, trade and domestic industrial activity.
That ambition will depend on whether planned investments lead to functioning industries, reliable electricity, stronger transport networks and competitive local businesses.
Tshisekedi: “The Agreement Is Only the Beginning”
Salama presented the Lobito Corridor as part of a wider effort to strengthen the DRC’s position in regional and international trade.
For President Félix Tshisekedi, she said, the project should be seen as a platform for economic integration and transformation rather than transportation infrastructure alone.
Quoting the president, Salama said:
“The signing that took place today is not an achievement in itself. It marks the beginning of a shared responsibility.”
The statement reflects the government’s view that agreements and financing commitments will only matter if they lead to projects that produce measurable benefits for citizens.
What Success Would Look Like
If the government’s ambitions are realized, the Lobito Corridor could become far more than a railway carrying Congolese minerals to the Atlantic.
Kinshasa wants the project to generate jobs, industrial investment, faster trade, stronger local businesses, more government revenue and new economic opportunities across the DRC.
The crucial question will be implementation.
The corridor’s long-term impact will depend on whether railway rehabilitation is completed, supporting infrastructure is built and communities along the route gain meaningful access to the economic activity the project is expected to create.
🇨🇩 The government’s message is clear: the Lobito Corridor should not simply move Congo’s minerals faster — it should help create more economic value inside Congo itself.
Related Links:
Watch Tina Salama’s Le GRAND Décryptage video
DRC and Angola move to accelerate the Lobito Corridor
Lobito Corridor railway rehabilitation
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✍️ Author: Mangwa
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Mangwa mangwa
Mangwa Mangwa is the Founder of MECAMEDIA, a journalist, media professional, and political analyst committed to delivering credible news and meaningful stories from Africa and around the world. His work focuses on politics, leadership, business, community development, and current affairs, with a mission to inform, inspire, and connect communities through responsible journalism.