The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat is set to host the 2nd meeting of the Lobito Corridor Committee of Ministers, bringing together representatives from Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Zambia.
The Ministers will assess progress made by the Technical Working Group, established during their inaugural meeting on December 16, 2023, in Lobito, Angola.
This group was tasked with setting up and operationalizing the Lobito Corridor Transit Transport Facilitation Agency (LCTTFA) Interim Secretariat, which will oversee the coordination of all developmental activities related to the Lobito Corridor.
On January 27, 2023, in Lobito, Angola, transport ministers from the three Corridor Member States signed the LCTTFA Agreement.
This pivotal accord establishes a governance framework that fosters collaboration between Angola, the DRC, and Zambia in harmonizing laws, policies, and regulations, as well as coordinating infrastructure development.
The Agreement aligns with key SADC protocols and frameworks, including the SADC Treaty, the Protocol on Transport, Communications and Meteorology, the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020–2030, the Regional Infrastructure Development Master Plan (RIDMP) 2013–2027, and the SADC Industrialization Strategy and Roadmap (SISR) 2015–2063.
The Interim Secretariat’s operationalization aims to expedite several high-priority infrastructure projects along the Lobito Corridor. These include:
- Zambia-Lobito Railway Greenfield Project: Connecting Zambia Railways at Chingola to the Benguela Railway in Luacano, Angola.
- Rehabilitation of the Dilolo-Kolwezi Railway: Enhancing cross-border rail connectivity.
- Agricultural Value Chains: Supporting agro-processing initiatives.
- Mining Value Chains: Promoting mineral beneficiation and fostering industries such as battery and electric vehicle manufacturing.
These projects are expected to boost small and medium enterprises (SMEs) within the region, creating jobs, improving productivity, and contributing to poverty alleviation and economic development across the three member states.
The Ministerial meeting, scheduled for January 22, 2025, will be preceded by:
- Technical Experts Meeting: January 20, 2025.
- Executive Committee Meeting: January 21, 2025.
These preparatory sessions will include senior government officials and pave the way for a successful ministerial dialogue.
International Cooperating Partners (ICPs), including representatives from the European Union, United States of America, African Development Bank (AfDB), and Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), will participate in the discussions.
Their involvement underscores the global significance of the Lobito Corridor in fostering regional trade, infrastructure development, and economic integration.
This collaborative effort reflects the commitment of SADC Member States and their partners to enhancing regional connectivity and promoting sustainable economic growth.
