The Italian Government has committed $270 million towards the development of the Lobito Corridor, a major railway infrastructure project linking Zambia, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The project aims to boost regional connectivity and accelerate economic integration through enhanced trade routes.
The announcement was made by Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) President Samaila Zubairu during a press briefing in Washington D.C., held alongside Zambia’s Finance and National Planning Minister Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane and Angola’s Transport Minister Ricardo de Abreu.
In addition to the $270 million, Mr. Zubairu disclosed that the Italian Government has provided a further $50 million directly to AFC to support ongoing work on the corridor.
Mr. Zubairu noted that the African Development Bank (AfDB) has also pledged its support for the project, further enhancing the corridor’s credibility and appeal to both African and international investors. “The Lobito Corridor has attracted strong continental and external support, making it a highly promising partnership that will strengthen regional links and significantly boost intra-African trade,” he said.
Finance Minister Dr. Musokotwane highlighted the importance of the project for Zambia and the wider region, particularly in light of expanding mining activities in both Zambia and the DRC. “The Lobito Corridor will be instrumental in transporting critical minerals,” he said, adding that the railway line is expected to create jobs, facilitate regional integration, and stimulate economic development.
Dr. Musokotwane also expressed gratitude to the United States and the Trump administration for their support of the Lobito Corridor, emphasizing the strategic importance of the project in advancing Africa’s infrastructure goals.
The Lobito Corridor is part of a broader effort to improve trade infrastructure across Africa and position the continent as a competitive player in the global minerals supply chain.
Foreigners will fund the corridor, it is in their interest. Remember when our minerals are exported, the proceeds are spent by these foreign entities in their own countries, developing their countries, Zambia is left hanging dry. All that they leave in Zambia is a few crumbs of statutory obligations and low paying jobs in the mines, otherwise if the country was really benefitting in it’s immense rich and abundant
mineral resources , why do the people of Zambia continue wallowing in perpetual poverty?
Zambia has all it takes to do value additions from the minerals we have…
Lets stop lamenting like babies..work work and be innovative
For authorities to pledge such amounts,am sure they have done their due diligence and found the project viable
Dr Sixtus Mulenga is a practical example of an indigenous manganese mine owner and operator who is doing very well because he has quietly stayed away from politics.Bring him close and ask him how he did it.
That corridor may prove problamatic consdering tensions in the region
For authorities to pledge such amounts,am sure they have done their due diligence and found the project viable