Africa Finance Corporation Closes $753 Million Lobito Rail Deal

The project, managed by the Lobito Atlantic Railway joint venture between Mota-Engil and Trafigura, relies on substantial backing from international development institutions. The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation provided $553 million, complemented by a $200 million commitment from the Development Bank of Southern Africa. Africa Finance Corporation and Eaglestone acted as co-financial advisers to structure the complex cross-border deal.

Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO of the Africa Finance Corporation, noted that the corridor serves as a critical artery for industrial development and regional integration. By modernizing the link between Angola and the DRC, the initiative seeks to lower trade barriers and expand access to global markets. Nuno Gil, a founding partner at Eaglestone, emphasized that the successful closing proves that large-scale, multi-lender infrastructure projects remain viable and attractive within Sub-Saharan Africa despite historical financing challenges.