Jun 10, 2026

The Rail Working Group has announced that the Democratic Republic of Congo formally joined the Luxembourg Rail Protocol, marking a notable advancement for railway financing in southern and central Africa.

Framework for Rolling Stock Investment

This treaty, which took effect in March 2024, creates a legal structure for acknowledging lenders’ claims on railway vehicles and features an international registry situated in Luxembourg. The Rail Working Group, a non-profit entity, promotes the protocol’s adoption to simplify and reduce costs for private-sector rolling stock funding.

Among African nations, Gabon stands as an original signatory, while South Africa completed its ratification in May 2025. Mozambique has signed the agreement, and Namibia, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Kenya, and Ethiopia are evaluating potential adherence.

Upon depositing the accession document on June 4, DR Congo Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka expressed anticipation that as neighboring countries proceed with joining, the region will benefit from smooth and economical private financing for rolling stock operating across the SADC network.

Implementation Timeline and Regional Effects

The protocol is set to apply to DR Congo starting October 1, 2026. Howard Rosen, Chair of the Rail Working Group, characterized this development as a significant advance for both the SADC area and Africa as a whole, strengthening the protocol’s function as a practical mechanism for stimulating railway investment throughout the continent. He also noted that it will generate fresh commercial prospects for manufacturers, operators, and financiers in Southern Africa.

South Africa’s export credit agency, ECIC, has announced it will reduce its risk premium by as much as 20% when insuring rolling stock financing, contingent on meeting ECIC’s minimum local content requirements for South Africa, adhering to the protocol, and fulfilling other underwriting criteria.

Significance for the Lobito Corridor

According to the Rail Working Group, DR Congo’s participation carries particular strategic importance due to its expansive railway system and its involvement in the 1,739 km Lobito Corridor, which connects the mineral-rich Copperbelt region with the Angolan port of Lobito.

Jamie Holley, Chief Executive Officer of Traxtion, a rolling stock leasing firm, remarked that substantial investments aimed at improving railway conditions serving DR Congo from the ports of Lobito and Dar es Salaam underscore the country’s significance in rail transport. He added that DR Congo’s adherence to the Luxembourg Protocol will enhance the economic rationale for large-scale investment in trains operating on this enhanced rail infrastructure, which together has the potential to reshape the region’s logistics environment.

Protocol Status as of June 2026

As of June 2026, the Luxembourg Rail Protocol to the Cape Town Convention has been ratified by the European Union (within its areas of competence), Gabon, Luxembourg, Paraguay, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, and DR Congo. Signatories that have not yet completed accession include France, Germany, Switzerland, Mozambique, Italy, and the United Kingdom. Nations considering ratification are Saudi Arabia, Kenya, Malta, Eswatini, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, and Mauritius.

Endorsements have been provided by the African Rail Industry Association, OTIF, CIT, UIC, UIP, ERFA, AllRail, UITP, CER, and Eurofima. Support has been voiced by the African Union, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe.