SADC Drives Regional Collaboration for Lobito Corridor Development
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is set to facilitate a historic meeting of the Committee of Ministers from the three key Lobito Corridor Member States – Angola, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on 16th December 2023 in Lobito, Angola.
The primary agenda of this meeting is to evaluate the progress and enhance the implementation of the Lobito Corridor Transit Transport Facilitation programme. This initiative aligns with the commitments made by the heads of the three states.
The Lobito Corridor Transit Transport Facilitation (LCTTF) Agreement, signed on 27th January 2023 in Lobito, serves as the foundational framework for the collaborative development of harmonized laws, policies, regulations, and systems among the Member States.
This coordinated effort will extend to infrastructure development and is in accordance with the SADC Treaty, Protocols, and key development frameworks.
The forthcoming meeting aims to accelerate the development of the Lobito Corridor through the establishment of sector-specific sub-committees. These committees will focus on vital areas such as road, railway, aviation, port, and marine transport, as well as trade and value chains, energy, and Information, Communication, and Technology (ICT).
By adopting the SADC/Tripartite model laws, the sub-committees will ensure policy harmonization, formulate sustainability strategies, and create a comprehensive infrastructure plan. These efforts will be pivotal in mobilizing resources for regional priority infrastructure projects, ensuring effective coordination, and expediting project implementation.
The outcomes sought from the Ministerial meeting include the establishment of an interim Secretariat for the Lobito Corridor Transit Transport Facilitation Agency (LCTTFA), development of draft framework terms and conditions of service, coordination mechanisms with international partners, approval of sub-committees, consideration of bilateral trade agreements, and a strong emphasis on expediting the ratification process of the LCTTFA Agreement by the Corridor Member States.
Preceding the Ministerial meeting, Technical Experts and Senior Officials from relevant sectors in the three Member States are convening on 14th to 15th December 2023 to prepare for the Ministerial meeting.
The attendance of International Cooperating Partners (ICPs) from the European Union, United States, African Development Bank (AfDB), Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), and others underscores the significance of this regional collaboration in the development of the Lobito Corridor.
The outcomes of this meeting are poised to shape the future of the Lobito Corridor, promoting economic growth, supporting Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), and facilitating trade for Small Scale Cross Border Traders (SSCBT).
The concerted efforts of the Member States and international partners aim to create a robust foundation for sustainable regional development.
Source: SADC Secretariat
