President Denis Sassou-N’Guesso today presided over the launch of the complete modernization project for the Congo-Ocean Railway (CFCO), a historic artery linking Brazzaville to the port of Pointe-Noire. This flagship project, estimated at 2.5 billion euros, aims to triple freight capacity and halve transit time between the country’s interior and the Atlantic coast.
The project involves the rehabilitation of 502 kilometers of track, the construction of 23 new bridges, the partial electrification of the route, and the installation of a digital signaling system. Over 5,000 direct jobs will be created during the construction phase, with priority given to the local workforce and vocational training.
The president emphasized the strategic importance of this modernization: “The CFCO is not just a railway line; it is the economic backbone of our country. Its modernization will stimulate trade, open up our regions, and strengthen our competitiveness in the sub-region.”
Funding is provided by a consortium that includes the African Development Bank, China, and private European investors. The project also involves the creation of a multimodal logistics corridor integrating roads, railways, and port facilities.
The first phase of the work, concerning the Pointe-Noire – Dolisie section, is expected to be completed in 2027. Ultimately, the modernized CFCO will be able to transport 5 million tons of goods per year, compared to 1.7 million currently, and will reduce logistics costs by 35% for Congolese exporters.