A first batch of 15 Chinese-made locomotives was delivered to Angola last month, Angop reports.

The Angolan news agency reports that the locomotives will boost the capacity of the country’s railway network.

Transport Minister Augusto da Silva Tomás was quoted as saying the purchase is one of several projects to modernise the country’s rail and road networks. Rail is strategic to boosting the output of multiple industries, including agriculture, fisheries, livestock, mining and processing.

The delivery was announced during a meeting between Mr da Silva Tomás and Luanda Governor Higino Carneiro.