The Government of Angola has officially launched construction of the Luena–Saurimo Railway Branch Line, marking a significant step in the expansion and modernisation of the country’s national railway network. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on 27 January 2026 and was attended by Angola’s Minister of Transport, Ricardo Viegas D’Abreu, alongside provincial and sector stakeholders.
The Luena–Saurimo branch will connect the provinces of Moxico and Lunda-Sul and forms part of Angola’s broader strategy to strengthen territorial integration and improve national and regional logistics connectivity. The project was awarded to Odebrecht Engenharia e Construção, in consortium with Bento Pedroso Construções, following authorisation by Presidential Decree No. 55/23 of 27 March 2023, which approved the signing of a design-and-build contract with the consortium.
The project scope includes the construction of a 260-kilometre railway line, 11 bridges, eight railway stations and two strategic crossings. Execution is scheduled over a 60-month period, with the project expected to create approximately 2,000 direct jobs. Authorities have highlighted the anticipated economic impact on the eastern region of the country, particularly through improved mobility and freight transport.
During the ceremony, the Minister of Transport described the Luena–Saurimo branch as a structuring investment for Angola’s railway sector. He indicated that the project represents a decisive step in expanding the national rail network and advancing a strategic vision focused on territorial integration, sustainable economic growth and the strengthening of national and regional logistics links. The minister also underlined the project’s importance for the development of Moxico and Lunda-Sul, citing its role in facilitating the movement of people and goods and stimulating local economic activity.
The minister further noted that the Luena–Saurimo branch constitutes the first fully greenfield railway investment in Angola in almost a century. For several decades, railway development efforts have focused primarily on rehabilitating existing lines, many of which were affected by past conflict. In this context, the new branch line has been positioned as a milestone in the modernisation of Angola’s railway infrastructure and as a demonstration of confidence in the country’s ability to execute complex rail projects.
The project is integrated into Angola’s National Development Plan and the Transport Sector Master Plan. These frameworks provide for future interconnections between Malange, Kuito and Menongue, as well as potential international rail links to Zambia, Namibia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Together, these initiatives aim to position Angola as a strategic logistics platform in Southern Africa.
From an economic and social perspective, the Luena–Saurimo Railway Branch is expected to reduce transport costs and transit times, support the Cereal Production Development Plan and improve the flow of agricultural output and processed goods. The line will also facilitate the transport of strategic mineral resources, including copper, cobalt and manganese, strengthening links to key logistics corridors and to the Port of Lobito.
Provincial authorities have highlighted the project’s regional significance. The Governor of Moxico, Ernesto Mungala, emphasised the positive impact the railway is expected to have on mobility, freight transport and economic dynamism in eastern Angola.
All engineering studies, as well as environmental and social impact assessments, have been completed. Demining operations along the full length of the railway corridor have also been finalised. The consortium responsible for delivery comprises companies with established experience in large-scale railway infrastructure projects, with authorities indicating that technical quality standards and delivery timelines will be closely observed.
The commencement of construction on the Luena–Saurimo Railway Branch is being framed as a decisive step in modernising Angola’s land transport sector. The project is expected to reinforce logistical integration, support sustainable economic growth and create tangible opportunities for workers and local communities, while further consolidating the role of railways as a central pillar of Angola’s long-term development strategy.
