• Angola to add 1,200 km of new railway lines under its transport reform plan

• Intelligent systems will improve safety and operational efficiency

• Project supports economic diversification beyond the oil sector

As part of its economic diversification strategy, Angola plans to expand its railway network by at least 1,200 kilometers, according to a June 3 announcement by the Ministry of Transportation in Luanda. The initiative includes new railway construction and upgrades to existing lines aimed at boosting national transport efficiency and reducing dependence on oil.

Planned projects include the Zenza do Itombe–Cacuso line in the Northwest, the Luena–Saurimo link in the Northeast, and a North–South corridor to connect Angola’s main railways. Additional extensions will push the Moçâmedes line east to Menongue and south to the Namibian border, strengthening regional trade ties.

The expansion will incorporate intelligent systems to enhance operational control and safety. These upgrades will include automated systems, digital ticketing, modern signaling, diagnostics, and rapid-response tools for incidents.

The new lines are expected to integrate with the Lobito corridor, a major regional export route currently being modernized with support from the United States and the European Union. The corridor is key to mineral exports from landlocked neighbors such as Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo and will boost traffic at Angolan ports.

Funding relies on a public-private partnership model supported by favorable regulations and investment incentives. The program also includes workforce training to ensure sustainability in railway operations.

By improving logistics and multimodal transport services, Angola aims to position itself as a regional trade hub and shift away from a heavy reliance on hydrocarbons.