Nsanka–Dilolo Highway

Construction of a 434.5 km highway linking Lualaba to Angola to support freight, mining, and regional connectivity.

Project summary

A high-capacity highway to improve mining logistics, cut transport costs, and boost Lualaba’s regional and international trade integration.

Project

Nsanka–Dilolo Highway

Date

2026

Category

Infrastructure

Project details

The absence of a modern, high-capacity road infrastructure between Kolwezi and Dilolo currently limits mining operations, regional trade, and integration with Angola’s transport network. Existing road conditions present major challenges in terms of capacity, safety, and logistics performance, resulting in high transport costs and delays.

The project will deliver a modern, efficient highway designed for heavy truck traffic and long-distance freight movement. Once completed, it will enable seamless cross-border trade, improved mobility, and enhanced economic competitiveness for Lualaba Province while supporting sustainable regional development.

Key objectives

  • Strengthen connectivity between Lualaba Province and the Lobito Corridor

  • Support mining logistics and international trade

  • Reduce transport costs and travel time

  • Improve road safety and infrastructure resilience

Expected results

  • 434.5 km of highway constructed to international standards

  • Significant increase in heavy-truck traffic capacity

  • Reduced logistics costs and travel time

  • Improved cross-border freight flow

Performance Indicators

  • Average daily heavy-truck traffic: 1,306 trucks/day

  • Traffic growth rate: 6.8% annually

  • Design speed: 120 km/h

  • Payback period: 5 years

  • Direct jobs during construction: 3,000+

  • Project feasibility: 90%

Activity Schedule

The detailed activity schedule will be finalized following the completion of topographic, geotechnical, technical, financial, and environmental studies. Project phasing and key milestones will be confirmed during final structuring and contractor mobilization.

Benefits & Impact

Direct benefits
  • Creation of over 3,000 direct jobs during construction

  • Improved road safety and driving comfort

Indirect benefits
  • Boost to regional and international trade

  • Strengthened mining supply chains

  • Improved access to markets and services for local communities

Impacts
  • Accelerated economic development in Lualaba Province

  • Stronger integration into regional logistics corridors

  • Long-term improvement in living standards along the route

Risks & Mitigation Measures

Key risks

  • Environmental constraints

  • Traffic growth pressure

Mitigation measures

  • Reforestation programs

  • Erosion control and drainage systems

  • Infrastructure designed to withstand long-term traffic growth

Institutional & Management Information

Responsible Ministry
Provincial Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Works

Service / Institution
Office of the Provincial Minister

Project Owner
Lualaba Province

Project Manager
To be determined

Post-Project Management
Provincial Road Authority / Designated Operator

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