Lobito Corridor Railway Line Signed as a Milestone for Zambia and Angola
Zambia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, Hon. Eng. Counsel Museba Frank Tayali, MP, and his Angolan counterpart, Ricardo Daniel Sandão Queirõs de Abreu, have signed the Lobito Corridor Railway Development Concessioning Agreement with the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC). The signing took place at the prestigious United States Lotte Palace Hotel, coinciding with the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The AFC, represented by President and CEO Mr. Samaila Zubairu, is set to lead this ambitious project, which aims to enhance transport and logistics capabilities between Zambia and Angola.
Hon. Tayali hailed the agreement as a milestone, affirming the countries’ commitment to becoming a major transport and logistics hub in the region.
During the ceremony, the AFC announced the completion of a key feasibility study and the formalization of the concession agreement with the governments of Zambia and Angola. This new railway infrastructure will connect the two nations for the first time, with operations expected to commence in early 2026.
The initiative is anticipated to unlock Zambia’s Copperbelt, fostering economic integration and inclusive growth across borders.
Furthermore, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency announced a $2 million grant to conduct an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for the rail project, ensuring adherence to the highest international standards.
In addition to the signing, Hon. Tayali, alongside Hon. Mulambo Haime, SC, MP, and Hon. Charles Milupi, MP, Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, participated in a roundtable discussion on the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI) Lobito Corridor, hosted by U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken.
This high-level dialogue advanced the PGI’s efforts to develop transcontinental connectivity from the Atlantic to the Indian Oceans.
The meeting included Foreign Affairs Ministers from Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Tanzania, and Zambia, as well as the European Partnerships Commissioner and the Italian Vice Foreign Minister.
The roundtable also featured executives from the Africa Finance Corporation and the African Development Bank (AfDB).
