Tuesday 1st July 2025
By inAfrika Reporter
The African Development Bank has taken another decisive step in deepening regional integration by signing a Letter of Intent with the Government of Zambia to fast-track the development of the Lobito Corridor. This major infrastructure project is set to transform the transport landscape of Southern and Central Africa by improving logistics, boosting trade, and enabling more seamless movement of goods and people across borders.
The project includes building 550 kilometers of new railway from Chingola in Zambia’s Copperbelt to the Angolan border, and rehabilitating 260 kilometers of road between Chisese and Jimbe via Mwinilunga. This investment is not just about infrastructure it’s about connecting economies and opening up new industrial and trade opportunities for Zambia and its neighbors.
The corridor is being jointly developed through a broader agreement between the Bank, the governments of Zambia, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and several global partners, including the United States, the European Commission, Italy, and the Africa Finance Corporation. This multi-stakeholder collaboration ensures the financing, technical expertise, and political commitment needed for the project’s long-term success.
The initiative is part of a broader vision to enhance Africa’s economic geography, especially for landlocked countries. With mineral-rich zones and agricultural belts in the region, the Lobito Corridor is expected to unlock significant economic value. The development will also support the Africa Continental Free Trade Area by improving transport links between key markets and production zones.
This Letter of Intent formalizes Zambia’s role in this continental vision and opens the door for faster implementation. It’s a signal that Zambia is ready to take charge of its development path and engage proactively with international financing and development partners.
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