Francisco Franca

CEO Lobito Atlantic Railway

In May 2023, Francisco Franca was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Lobito Atlantic Railway (LAR).  Before joining LAR, Francisco was CEO of construction and infrastructure management company the Mota-Engil Angola Group from 2017 until 2022, developing projects in the construction, mining, energy, concessions, and logistics sectors.  This followed by 5 years as Country Manager for Mota-Engil in Uganda and Rwanda and board member of Mota-Engil Africa , where he played a pivotal role in the company’s expansion in Africa and internationally. 
Francisco started his career in Portugal working on large-scale construction projects, applying his engineering knowledge while developing his skills in leadership and management.  He holds a Civil Engineering degree from the Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Portugal and also attended an executive development course at the Kellogg School of Management, US. 
About the Lobito Atlantic Railway 
LAR has recently been awarded a 30-year concession for the operation, management and maintenance of the rail infrastructure for the transport of goods for the corridor that runs for 1,300 km, connecting the Lobito port to Luau, in eastern Angola, close to the border of the DRC.  In addition, LAR has been awarded the concession for the Lobito Minerals port. 
The Lobito Atlantic Railway will provide a quicker western route to market for metal and minerals produced in the DRC.  The railway is linked to a congestion-free port in Lobito and represents a major alternative route between the Congolese Copperbelt and the Atlantic Ocean. 
To realise its full potential, LAR, shareholders – Trafigura, Mota-Engil and Vecturis – will invest more than US$450 million on the improvement of the existing railway and associated infrastructure, and secure more than 1,500 wagons and 35 locomotives. In addition, up to US$100 million will be invested on the other side of the border in the DRC, on improving its railway line and rolling stock.  LAR´s vision is to grow the volumes on the corridor so that it becomes the leading rail transport link in sub-Saharan Africa.