President Hakainde Hichilema joined global leaders at the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI) Lobito Trans-Africa Corridor summit, held in Lobito, Angola on the 4th December.The summit, hosted by Angolan President João Lourenço with support from the U.S. government, underscored international commitment to advancing the Lobito Corridor project, a transformative infrastructure initiative for the region.
During the summit, U.S. President Joe Biden announced an additional $600 million in funding for infrastructure projects along the corridor. This substantial investment aims to reduce transportation costs, facilitate trade, and drive sustainable and inclusive economic development.
The Lobito Trans-Africa Corridor spans Angola, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It includes the refurbishment of 800 miles of rail lines and the construction of a new rail link connecting Angola to Zambia. The project is poised to catalyze regional growth, foster job creation, and position Africa as a key player in global markets, particularly for critical minerals like cobalt and copper essential to clean energy technologies.
On the sidelines of the summit, President Hichilema held bilateral discussions with President Biden. Their talks focused on strengthening the Zambia-U.S. partnership, promoting economic progress, and advancing democratic development. President Hichilema highlighted the urgent need for global debt reform, stressing that high debt servicing should not prevent nations from pursuing developmental goals.
“We are committed to working with the governments of Angola, the DRC, the U.S., Tanzania, and other partners to turn this ambitious vision into a reality. The Lobito Corridor is more than infrastructure—it is a pathway to a brighter, more prosperous future for our people,” President Hichilema stated.
The summit reaffirms the Lobito Corridor’s role as a cornerstone of regional integration and economic development. With its focus on sustainability and inclusivity, the initiative is set to transform the transport and trade landscape, providing a direct link from the mineral-rich regions of central Africa to global markets.
Following the summit, President Hichilema and his delegation returned to Lusaka, expressing optimism about the future of regional collaboration and development.
Me I’m waiting for the low level summit. Perhaps it will be more interesting. High level is a bore cos it’s too up there for me to see
This is not a “transformative infrastructure initiative” An initiative is something original. This is a revamp of an existing railway destroyed by US military ammunition.
I’m worried for the children and grandchildren what debt are we leaving them
Will we ever learn to live within our means ?
This crying to Biden for debt relief doesnt go down well with me
I would have thought your assessment would be based on whether the intended investment would unlock. opportunities for your children and grandchildren to pay back debts and grow the economy. Large scale infrastructure development cannot be done without debt contraction. The is due lies in the cost/ benefit value of it.
Our children need to pay debt. They will enjoy the services too
I hope for the first time in our life time in Zambia, we can have a project that can have a trickle down effect on the common man. So far no joy from government after government. For example what did privatisation benefit the common man apart from killing the industrial base of Zambia and sending people to their early graves
Yes Vazoona, you are right, privatisation just made some people rich at the expense of the country.
My mother got a house in Kitwe because Council was forced to sell it to her as she had been renting it for 30 years. Viva Chiluba’s policies!!
Even without privatization, In Zambia, there were people who were rich. When situations are in your favor, what is wrong to welcome the opportunity.
I cant wait for that transcontinental infrastructure from Lobito to Dar, together with the road from Cape to Addis Ababa. It shall be the beginning of the practicality of the long cherished ideal of African unity. Not only shall it enable intracontinental commerce but also greater political union. The young people of Africa are ready to break down the national boundaries to travel, live and work anywhere in Africa. Currently, they are migrating illegally which has grossly limited Africans human potential
Continue dreaming, you are entitled
Anti jokes.Ever heard of the”American dream?”.Even President Obama was once a dream
Just a share waste of time and tax payers money for travel to Angola for a project which is a non starter….Joe Biden is demented and he has destroyed America in the last 4 years like never before…start wars left right and center
Government, I am at RATSA premium house, only one cashier only and very slow just to pay for a driving licence, 2hrs in the queue now. 3 other cashier counters empty, and with such inefficiency you think you can manage Lobito.
We will make sure there are no cashiers at the port. Everything will be done by AI. Only the loading will be supervised by humans