Zimbabwe and Zambia have signed an agreement to develop a cross-border railway aimed at improving mineral export routes, as southern African countries step up investment in infrastructure to support mining-led growth.
The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding to construct a 311-kilometre rail line linking Kafue in Zambia to Lion’s Den in Zimbabwe, near their shared border, according to official statements.
The project, estimated to cost more than $2 billion, will include about 94 kilometres of track on the Zambian side and is expected to connect key mining areas to regional export corridors.
Officials say the railway is designed to streamline the movement of minerals, reduce transport costs and improve logistics efficiency for exporters in both countries.
The initiative aligns with broader efforts led by the Pan-African Minerals Development Company, a joint entity overseeing mining-related assets historically held by the two countries’ public railway operators.
More Read
Authorities say the Kafue–Lion’s Den corridor will provide a more direct and secure route for transporting mineral output to international markets, strengthening competitiveness in the sector.
Zambian officials estimate the new line could cut transport distances to the Port of Beira by about 800 kilometres compared with the existing North–South corridor, potentially reshaping regional trade flows.
By shortening transit routes, the project is expected to reduce freight costs and delivery times, key factors for mining companies operating in landlocked countries.
The railway also forms part of a wider continental trend toward developing infrastructure linked to resource extraction.
Across Africa, governments are investing in rail corridors to connect mining basins with ports, aiming to unlock export potential and attract foreign investment.
In southern Africa, Mozambique’s Nacala corridor has been used to transport coal from inland mines to a deep-water port and is undergoing upgrades.
Elsewhere, South Africa is pursuing reforms in its rail sector, including improvements to lines serving mining regions, while North African countries are advancing similar projects tied to iron ore and phosphate production.
In West Africa, Guinea has begun operations on part of a railway linked to the Simandou iron ore project, and Liberia is planning upgrades to its Yekepa–Buchanan line to support exports.
Central African countries such as Gabon are also investing in rail infrastructure to improve the transport of commodities like manganese.
Meanwhile, large-scale corridor projects in East Africa, including the Lobito and TAZARA routes, are attracting billions of dollars in investment as part of efforts to strengthen regional connectivity.
Despite growing momentum, financing remains a major challenge for many of these projects.
The Kafue–Lion’s Den railway will require substantial capital, and securing funding will be critical to moving the project from planning to execution.
Technical considerations also pose hurdles, particularly ensuring that the new line integrates smoothly with existing rail networks to allow efficient cross-border operations.
Analysts say interoperability, maintenance capacity and regulatory coordination will be key factors determining the project’s success.
If completed, the corridor could play a significant role in enhancing export capacity for both Zimbabwe and Zambia, while contributing to broader regional integration.
For now, the agreement signals a renewed push by African countries to leverage infrastructure development as a driver of economic growth, particularly in resource-rich regions seeking to maximise the value of their mineral exports.
