Exporting strategic copper from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia requires efficient, reliable routes amid global demand for critical minerals. There are two basic options, Western Africa Ports and Eastern Africa Ports, depending on the country of the end-buyer. The future markets to be developed will probably also be a function of the most efficient trade route.
The Benguela Railway, part of the 1,700-km Lobito Corridor, connects Kolwezi (DRC) and Zambian mines to Angola's Atlantic port. Rehabilitated with USD 1.5 billion in US-EU funding, it offers 8–12 day overland transits (4 days in Angola, 4-8 in DRC), far faster than alternatives for Atlantic-bound shipments. Capacities are scaling to 240,000 tons annually for copper, with added wagons and locomotives. Sea times are reduced with this route, whilst a pending DRC upgrade (tendered November 2025, completion in 3 years) is causing unnecessary delays.
The Trans Kalahari (Botswana-Namibia) and Trans Caprivi (Zambia-Namibia) corridors rely on roads, linking to Walvis Bay port. The emerging North-Western Corridor (NWC), from Kolwezi (DRC) via Solwezi (Zambia) to Mongu (Walvis Bay) shaves 235 km off traditional paths, with one-stop border posts cutting waiting times. Transits span 1,500-2,000 km, taking 5-7 days by truck, with capacities boosted during the 2025 road rehabilitations. The NWC bypasses the congested Kasumbalesa Border Post between Zambia and the DRC, offers Atlantic access, and the lower risk of Namibian ports. On the downside, road-based transport is costly and suffers accompanying weather vulnerabilities. The Trans-Kalahari Railway will unfortunately only be commissioned by April 2026.
The Tazara Railway, a 1,860-km Chinese-built line from Zambia to Tanzania's Indian Ocean port, Dar Es Salaam, handles bulk freight, but suffers chronic issues. Transits take nearly a month due to derailments and obsolescence, with capacities limited by interruptions. A €1.4bn agreement has been signed by China last year to upgrade the existing infrastructure for trade to Asian countries.
Thus far, the EU-backed Lobito Corridor emerges as the best option for strategic copper exports, offering speed, capacity, and geopolitical alignment for diversified supply chains. While Walvis Bay provides viable road alternatives amid developments, and Tazara favours Asian -oriented exports, Lobito's rail efficiency and Western support, position it well for long-term dominance, potentially transforming African trade by 2030.