Benguela Railway

The Benguela Railway is a rail line running from the Angolan port of Lobito on the Atlantic coast to the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, connecting further into Zambia's Copperbelt. It was originally built in the early twentieth century to transport copper and other minerals from Central Africa to a deep-water port for export to international markets. The line fell into disuse during Angola's decades-long civil war, which damaged infrastructure and halted operations for an extended period. Following the end of the conflict, the railway was rehabilitated with international support to restore its role as a key transport corridor. It now forms a central part of the Lobito Corridor, a rail and logistics initiative linking Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia. The corridor is seen as strategic for moving critical minerals, including copper and cobalt, from landlocked mining regions to global markets. Operation of the line has been linked to the Lobito Atlantic Railway concession, involving international contractors and financiers. The Africa Finance Corporation and other development-focused investors have supported upgrades and expansion plans for the corridor. Its revival reflects broader efforts to improve regional trade infrastructure and reduce reliance on longer, more costly export routes through southern African ports. The railway remains significant to both Angola's economic development and the mining sectors of neighbouring Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.