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Angola Opens International Tender for Namibe Corridor Railway Concession
Content Contributor
22 Dec 2025
The Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Angola launches an international tender for the 30-year (extendable to 50) concession of the Namibe Corridor. Proposals close 4 May 2026. The concession covers the 855 km Moçâmedes–Menongue railway, Port of Namibe, future extensions to Namibia and Zambia, and freight capacity of up to 5 million tonnes annually.
The Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Angola launches, on 5 December, an international public tender for the concession of the right to operate, manage and maintain the Namibe Corridor. Interested entities may submit proposals until 4 May 2026, marking a major step in Angola’s strategy to expand private participation in transport infrastructure.
The concession is structured with an initial duration of 30 years, with the option to extend up to 50 years, reflecting the long-term nature of railway and logistics investments.
Scope of the Namibe Corridor concession
The concession covers the operation, management, maintenance and preservation of the Moçâmedes–Menongue Railway Line, including rolling stock, associated infrastructure, workshops and the railway training centre. In addition, the concession allows for the design and construction of new sections, extensions and branch lines, subject to approval.
The framework also provides for future railway connections to the Republic of Namibia and, at a later stage, to the Republic of Zambia, positioning the corridor as a cross-border logistics platform with regional reach.
Government highlights strategic importance
Speaking at the launch event, the Secretary of State for Land Transport, Jorge Bengue, underlines the strategic relevance of the process for international railway operators.
“The Namibe Corridor has the potential to strengthen Angola’s role as a regional logistics platform, enhance supply chains, foster new investments, and increase the competitiveness of exports. We anticipate a dynamic tender process with strong participation from established industry operators,” he stated.
Jorge Bengue also points to recent reforms that reinforce Angola’s attractiveness to investors.
“Angola has carried out structural reforms in recent years that have strengthened legal certainty and created a more competitive business environment.”
He adds that the successful concession of the Lobito Corridor demonstrates Angola’s capacity to implement partnership models that mobilise private capital and accelerate the modernisation of transport infrastructure.
Eligibility and tender requirements
The tender is open to individual companies or consortiums with proven experience in the management of railway infrastructure and freight operations. Detailed technical and financial requirements are outlined in the official tender documentation.
Tender documents are available upon payment of USD 20,000, or the equivalent amount in kwanzas, calculated at the exchange rate set by the National Bank of Angola at the time of the transaction.
Strategic logistics corridor with regional reach
The Namibe Corridor comprises the Moçâmedes Railway, with a total length of 855 kilometres, and the Port of Namibe, forming a single integrated logistics axis. The corridor supports the export of minerals, ornamental stones, agricultural products and other goods, with a theoretical capacity of up to 5 million tonnes per year.
The infrastructure serves as a gateway for landlocked countries in the region, operating in coordination with the Lobito and Walvis Bay corridors, and strengthening regional supply chains.
Broader economic and tourism impact
Beyond freight transport, the Namibe Corridor contributes to tourism development and regional integration, reinforcing Angola’s connectivity across Southern Africa. By linking Atlantic-facing infrastructure with inland markets and future cross-border rail connections, the corridor supports Angola’s ambition to position itself as a key commercial hub within Africa and an active participant in Atlantic–Indian trade routes.
