BOLDEN African News · Friday 6 November 2026
AFC and President Hichilema review the Zambia-Lobito railway ahead of financial close in 2027
President Hakainde Hichilema met an Africa Finance Corporation delegation led by its chief executive Samaila Zubairu in Lusaka on 6 November to review the roughly 830 km line from Chingola in Zambia to Luacano in Angola, which will link with the Benguela Railway and the Port of Lobito. The AFC, lead sponsor, named preferred EPC bidders in October and targets financial close in 2027. The line aims to carry about 5 million tonnes a year, with letters of intent covering about 2 million.
Why it matters
A seven-day route from the Copperbelt to the Atlantic would change how copper, cobalt and farm goods leave the region.
Source: Africa Finance Corporation · 6 November 2026