Lobito Atlantic Railways Names Nicholas Fournier CEO and Alexandre Canas Chair to Drive Angola’s Transport Corridor Expansion
Angola’s rail operator Lobito Atlantic Railways (LAR) has announced a significant leadership change, appointing Nicholas Fournier as CEO and Alexandre Canas as chairperson on August 19.
The move marks the formal separation of the two roles, a step aimed at strengthening governance as the company enters a crucial phase of operational growth.
With its new executive committee and enhanced board leadership, LAR says the updated governance structure will provide clearer separation of responsibilities, more effective strategic positioning, and stronger oversight as the company advances its mission of building essential transport infrastructure for Angola’s economic development and regional integration.
Fournier brings over 20 years of global experience in strategic management, operations, and business development.
Canas adds more than 25 years of leadership expertise in financial management and international business development, with professional experience spanning Brazil, the Netherlands, Mozambique, the UK, and Angola.
The board also includes Manual Mota (vice-chairperson), Julien Rolland, Roberto Ferreira, Dmitry Miller, António Graça, Eric Peiffer, Tiago Ferraria, and Ottoniel Manuel.
The executive committee is composed of COO Nicolas Gregoir, CFO Domingos Silva, and Nuno Frota.
Highlighting the company’s role in regional logistics, Fournier stated:
“LAR has exceptional potential to transform transport and trade across Angola and the wider region. We are proud to operate a transport corridor that is open to all customers and already delivering significant benefits to mining companies in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Together with the management team, we will focus on optimising railway efficiency, increasing capacity, and expanding mineral terminal operations at the Port of Lobito.”
Canas added that his priority as chair will be to support the executive team in meeting ambitious growth objectives and in building long-term partnerships that foster sustainable development in the region.
Strategic Importance of the Lobito Corridor
LAR holds a 30-year concession to modernise, maintain, and operate the 1,300 km Lobito Corridor, which links the Port of Lobito on Angola’s Atlantic coast to Luau on the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The corridor is a vital route for mineral exports from the DRC and Zambia, positioning Angola as a key player in regional trade and infrastructure development.
