President Félix Tshisekedi is visiting Angola to hold critical discussions on the Lobito Corridor project, a major transport infrastructure project that will connect the Angolan port of Lobito to the territories of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia. The trip is of strategic importance for the future of trade and development in the countries involved.
The joint initiative of the United States and Angola aims to promote the development of the Lobito Corridor and invest in transport infrastructure linking the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian Ocean. The Zambia-Lobito Railway Project, at the heart of this dynamic, is a key step in facilitating trade and regional connectivity.
The summit, which Félix Tshisekedi will participate in, will also bring together the leaders of the DRC, Tanzania, Zambia and the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), underscoring the importance of regional cooperation for infrastructure development and economic growth. The presence of US President Joe Biden at this bilateral meeting demonstrates the US interest in the project and its significant financial support.
The US commitment of $600 million for infrastructure projects, under the Global Infrastructure and Investment Partnership, reflects a strong commitment to fostering Africa’s economic development and regional integration. This increased financial support underscores the strategic importance of the Lobito Corridor in the context of international trade and regional connectivity.
The completion of the feasibility study for the Zambia-Lobito railway project in September 2024 represents a major step forward in making this critical infrastructure a reality. The signing of the concession agreement between Angola, Zambia and the AFC marks the beginning of a new phase, that of construction scheduled to begin in 2026. This progress demonstrates the commitment of the countries involved in the realization of this major project, which will contribute to strengthening regional connectivity and stimulating the economic development of the region.
The trip of President Félix Tshisekedi to Angola to participate in this summit illustrates the strategic importance of the Lobito Corridor and underlines the commitment of the partner countries to the development of transport infrastructure and regional connectivity in Africa. This project, which brings economic and commercial opportunities, paves the way for enhanced collaboration between the countries of the region, promoting growth and sustainable development.