National railway network operators – DRC

SNCC's 3,641-kilometre network dates back to colonial-era infrastructure projects at the end of the 19^th century and has degraded in many places since then, due to challenging conditions, track damage, poor maintenance and under-investment.

Operational challenges including vandalism and theft of infrastructure, as well as restricted access and geographic isolation beyond the reach of reliable terrestrial communications networks. 

Without access to a dependable digital backbone, SNCC has to manage considerable delays and incidents across thousands of kilometres of track while attempting at the same time to maintain rail service standards.

The Need: Rehabilitating and Connecting 3,641 km of Railway

The rehabilitation of SNCC's network represents a critical infrastructure initiative for the DRC and its ability to operate regional trade flows most effectively, especially for transporting critical minerals such as copper and cobalt that are essential to global energy transition supply chains. A more robust and reliable supply of connectivity is needed in the so-called Copperbelt region for improved communications and tansport.

The specific requirements include:

• Connectivity at more than 70 remote railway stations for operational coordination and traffic regulation
• Passenger Wi-Fi onboard trains to support traveller expectations
• Reliable backhaul for real-time train tracking, safety systems and cargo monitoring across vast distances

Enterprise connectivity solutions capable of delivering secure, high-performance satellite backhaul are needed to ensure continuity across this geographically challenging network.

The Solution: Enterprise-Grade Satellite Connectivity

Eutelsat’s global LEO network is designed to deliver secure, high-performance satellite backhaul to geographically-challenged locations anywhere in the world.

We worked with Espoir Multi Services to deliver a LEO service tailored to the SNCC's operational requirements across a 900-kilometre priority corridor, for enhanced communications on board, on the-move as well trackside in remote areas. The LEO service is supported by real-time management tools that give the rail operator clearer visibility on data use and performance.

Key features include:

• Low-latency, high-speed data services with strong SLA commitments for uptime and throughput
• Real-time network performance monitoring via management APIs and dashboards
• Custom hardware installations tailored to each station's unique requirements and onboard constraints
• Scalable bandwidth to support traffic regulation, passenger Wi-Fi and coordination with international trade partners

The solution ensures dependable communications across SNCC's infrastructure, improves network resilience  and helps mitigate risks associated with terrestrial connectivity.

The Impact: Reliable Operations Across Remote Corridors

The deployment of dependable LEO satellite connectivity has delivered measurable improvements to operational performance and business continuity for the rail network.

Key outcomes include:

• Enhanced security communications enabling real-time monitoring and rapid response to infrastructure threats
• Reliable connectivity at over 70 remote stations, supporting traffic control and freight coordination along the vital Kolwezi–Lubumbashi–Sakania corridor
• Improved passenger experience through consistent onboard internet access across long-distance services
• Strengthened trade logistics, facilitating the movement of critical mining freight to international markets in southern Africa

In 2026 DRC became the second country in the South African Development Community to join the Luxembourg Rail Protocol. This is considered a major milestone for Africa’s transport and logistics sector as this protocol has potential to unlock private investment in railway rolling stock and strengthen key regional trade corridors.

For more insights into Eutelsat's connectivity solutions, visit the Eutelsat media centre.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the railway network operators in DRC?

The Democratic Republic of the Congo operates three main railway companies managing approximately 5,033 kilometres of non-interconnected rail infrastructure. The Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer du Congo (SNCC) runs the largest network at 3,641 kilometres across the south-east. The Société commerciale des transports et des ports (SCTP), formerly ONATRA, operates railways, ports and inland barge transport across the northern and western regions. The Office des Chemins de fer des Ueles manages lines in the Uele region. While these systems don't fully interconnect, river transport typically bridges the gaps, creating a multimodal network supporting domestic commerce and vital international trade corridors linking the DRC with neighbouring countries across southern Africa.

What is the national railway company of the Congo?

The Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer du Congo (SNCC) serves as the primary national railway operator. Its 3,641-kilometre network in the south-east forms part of the only integrated railway system in sub-Saharan Africa, enabling goods to transfer by rail from the DRC through Zambia to ports in South Africa and Tanzania. Approximately 90 per cent of SNCC's freight traffic runs between Kolwezi, Tenke, Lubumbashi and Sakania—a corridor heavily linked to mining exports from the DRC's Copperbelt. The company has received support from the World Bank for rehabilitation initiatives, and in 2019 reached a $500 million agreement with Russian Railways to upgrade infrastructure. SNCC's network remains strategically vital for mineral exports and regional trade.

What role does the Mayumbe railway play in the DRC network?

The Mayumbe line was a 140-kilometre narrow-gauge railway connecting the port of Boma to Tshela in the north-west, built between 1901 and 1913 to serve the Mayumbe agricultural region. Operating at 610 millimetre gauge, the line represented an early attempt to support commerce in Lower Congo near the Angolan border. However, the Mayumbe railway ceased operations in 1984 and has been completely removed. It is not listed for future rehabilitation. The DRC's current rail strategy focuses on rehabilitating the larger-gauge networks operated by SNCC and SCTP, which form the backbone of the country's connectivity to the Benguela Railway corridor and neighbouring countries, supporting modern freight and passenger services.

How does satellite connectivity support railway operations in remote regions?

Satellite connectivity delivers an essential communications backbone when terrestrial networks are unavailable across remote rail corridors. It enables mission-critical functions including real-time traffic regulation, signalling data transmission and operational coordination between control centres and trains. For railway operators managing infrastructure across challenging terrain—such as SNCC's rehabilitation efforts supported by World Bank track renewal programmes—satellite backhaul ensures continuous visibility over network performance, supports crew communications and powers passenger Wi-Fi services at remote stations. This resilience proves vital where vandalism, infrastructure degradation or geographic isolation threaten service continuity, enabling operators to maintain safety standards, coordinate emergency response and support digital transformation initiatives.