Expo Milano 2015
During Zambia’s National Day at Expo Milano 2015, a joint venture agreement was signed between Italy’s Wegh Group and E.P. Kavindele to establish a manufacturing facility in Zambia. The plant was set to produce 1 million pre-stressed concrete sleepers for the Northwest Rail project, with capacity to support wider infrastructure needs across housing, industry and transport.
Wegh Group, with 60 years of global experience in railway engineering, brought expertise in high-performance rail components and turnkey systems. This partnership marked a major step toward realising the Northwest Rail vision. It aimed to boost regional connectivity, create local jobs and advance Zambia’s economic potential through strategic infrastructure investment.
Pictured from left to right at the signing ceremony: Dr Joseph Kasonde (Minister of Health, Republic of Zambia), Alessandra Belloni (CEO, WEGH Group S.p.A.), Enoch Kavindele (Chairman, Northwest Rail), and Patrick Chisanga (Director General, Zambia Development Agency).
Strategic partnerships
DBSA approved funding
On 31 August 2015, the Development Bank of Southern Africa approved a US$3.5 million grant to support a Market and Technical Study for Phase Two of Zambia’s North West Rail project. An additional US$1.5 million was committed to the study, reflecting DBSA’s strategic backing.
The funding, provided through the SADC Project Preparation and Development Facility, aimed to advance the railway’s role within the Lobito Corridor. Preparations to appoint consultants followed soon after, signalling growing confidence in the project's regional trade and connectivity potential.
Government of the Republic of Zambia Backing
On 6 September 2017, the Cabinet of the Republic of Zambia approved, in principle, a recommendation from the Ministers of Transport and Communications and of Finance for the government and the people of Zambia to acquire a 30% shareholding in NWR Company Limited.
This decision formally established a public-private partnership between the Zambian government and North West Rail for the construction, establishment and operation of the railway, signalling strong national commitment to the corridor’s success.
Africa Finance Corporation financing
Africa Finance Corporation financing
Officials from Africa Finance Corporation met with Enoch Kavindele and toured the proposed route of the North-West Rail Project.
Following the visit, on 5 April 2022, Africa Finance Corporation confirmed it had received approval to provide up to US$ 3 million in financing for the project's development activities, subject to agreement on heads of terms.
NorthWest Rail was awarded
Best Infrastructure Project
by Transport Africa Awards in 2014