The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to continuing investments along the Lobito Corridor, confirmed the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires in Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe during his visit to Huambo on Tuesday.
James Story, after meeting with Governor Pereira Alfredo, stated that his three-day visit to the Lobito Corridor projects is part of an initiative that includes 16 ambassadors from various countries.
This visit aims to demonstrate the U.S. government’s commitment to supporting the development of the Corridor, promoting prosperity for both the Angolan government and its people.
“U.S. investment in the Lobito Corridor is 100% committed,” Story said. “Projects such as solar energy, the Lobito Railway, energy, and agriculture are being developed in partnership with the Angolan government and the international community, promoting regional development.”
Zahira Virani, the UN Resident Coordinator in Angola, expressed satisfaction at being part of the high-level delegation of investors.
She emphasized that the most important aspect of the Lobito Corridor is its potential to bring sustainable development, jobs, and prosperity to the people of Angola.
She highlighted that the Corridor is not just a commercial venture but a comprehensive infrastructure project that will impact sectors like agriculture and value chains, creating employment for youth and ensuring that no one is left behind in the development process.
Rosário Bento Pais, the European Union Ambassador to Angola, discussed the investments being made by European countries, particularly as European companies are involved in the Lobito Corridor project.
She mentioned that three European companies have signed a memorandum of understanding with the U.S., Angola, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo to help drive sustainable development across the five provinces served by the railway.
“The Lobito Corridor is not just a transportation route but an economic corridor,” said Pais. “It will foster economic development across all sectors, from agriculture to energy, and promote the digitalization of training, as well as other areas of progress.”
Pais also emphasized that the European Union is working to attract private sector investment from Europe, particularly from Belgium and France, and is providing technical assistance to ensure a favorable business environment along the Corridor.
During the first day of their visit, the group of ambassadors toured the Lobito Atlantic Railway (LAR) training center and the headquarters of the construction company Mota-Engil in Huambo.
On the second day, they will travel by train to the Longonjo municipality for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Pensana project, which aims to develop a rare earth mine at Mount Tchimbilundo.
The ambassadors’ delegation is visiting the Huambo province as part of the Memorandum of Understanding signed on October 18, 2023, between Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, the European Union, and the United States.
Governor Pereira Alfredo assured that the province of Huambo is committed to hosting two key infrastructure projects to support production, including the Logistics Platform and the Industrial Development Hub, both located in the Caála municipality.
He praised the province of Huambo for being chosen as one of the key locations for this high-level mission, which includes ambassadors from the U.S., European Union, Belgium, Romania, Germany, Portugal, Italy, Canada, the UK, the UN, Norway, South Korea, Sweden, and Switzerland. These ambassadors are visiting the Lobito Corridor over three days.
Governor Alfredo concluded by reiterating that investment in Huambo is safe and will continue to play a significant role in the region’s development, from Lobito to Moxico East.
