Proposed Dar es Salaam–Lobito railway could make Zambia a key African trade and logistics hub
A new agreement between Tanzania and Angola to explore a trans-continental railway link could reshape trade and transport across Southern and Central Africa. The proposed route would connect the Port of Dar es Salaam on the Indian Ocean to the Port of Lobito on the Atlantic, joining the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) with Angola’s Benguela railway via Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). If realised, this project would create a continuous rail corridor for goods, minerals, fuel and agricultural products between two oceans, offering a new alternative to existing trade routes.
The strategic importance of this railway goes beyond infrastructure. It could transform how minerals and bulk commodities move from the heart of Africa to global markets, reducing reliance on congested or less reliable corridors. For business, group and logistics travellers, the new link may mean faster, more predictable movement of cargo and people across borders. The corridor would also support regional integration by connecting key economic zones and opening up new opportunities for trade and investment along the route.
For Zambia, the project presents a critical choice: to become a regional logistics, manufacturing and trade hub or remain simply a transit country. The country’s central location gives it a unique advantage, but geography alone is not enough. To capture the full economic value, Zambia will need to invest in competitive border posts, harmonised customs systems, reliable rail infrastructure and efficient logistics services. The development of Zambian SMEs in construction, transport, warehousing, engineering and maintenance will be essential for turning connectivity into inclusive growth.
The project also has a strong geopolitical dimension. China is backing TAZARA modernisation, while the US and EU support the Lobito Corridor. Rather than seeing these as competing interests, Zambia and its neighbours could benefit from both, leveraging international support to build a corridor that serves African priorities. The Business Place Network argues that infrastructure alone is not enough—enterprise development and local business participation are needed to ensure that the benefits of connectivity are widely shared.
For the African travel and trade sector, the proposed railway could mean new itineraries, cargo flows and business opportunities. However, the success of the corridor will depend on predictable cross-border regulations and the ability of governments to harmonise policies and procedures. Open questions remain about the project’s timeline, financing and implementation, but agencies should monitor developments closely as this initiative could reshape the region’s ecorted by Editor.
