Speaking at the 38th Meeting of the Council of Ministers at the African Union City, Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka emphasized the urgent need to accelerate development projects along the Lobito Corridor.
In her address, the Prime Minister highlighted the Italian government’s launch of a new partnership model with Africa, rooted in the Mattei Plan—an initiative focused on fostering equitable and mutually beneficial cooperation.
The Mattei Plan prioritizes joint identification of development priorities in collaboration with African nations.
Prime Minister Suminwa Tuluka noted that connectivity infrastructure, particularly the Lobito Corridor, was a key topic of discussion.
She pointed out that several African countries already have ongoing regional integration projects tied to the corridor and urged for increased momentum in implementing development efforts along the route.
“The Prime Minister has instructed the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Communication Routes, and Access to Landlocked Areas, as well as the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Planning, to oversee and accelerate the development of projects along the Lobito Corridor within our national territory,” the official minutes stated.
They will work in coordination with the Ministers of Agriculture, Industry and SMEs, Foreign Trade, Posts and Telecommunications and Digital, Water Resources and Electricity, and the Minister Delegate for Urban Policy. Each will contribute based on their respective portfolios.
The Lobito Corridor serves as a vital trade route, linking the southern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and northwestern Zambia to regional and global markets via Angola’s Port of Lobito.
The corridor is expected to unlock significant economic potential, enhance export capabilities, attract investments, and stimulate job creation through infrastructure development and regulatory cooperation.
Initially unveiled at the Italy-Africa Summit in January 2024, the Mattei Plan is a flagship Italian initiative aimed at redefining Europe-Africa relations.
Valued at €5.5 billion over three years, it is managed by the Italian Deposit and Consignment Fund in coordination with the Prime Minister’s Office.
