The United Kingdom’s Ambassador to Angola, Bharat Joshi, has described the Lobito Corridor as a key infrastructure project for Angola’s economic growth and Southern Africa’s regional integration.
Speaking on Wednesday in Luanda during the Angola–UK Business Forum, the diplomat highlighted the project’s transformative potential for millions living in historically underserved regions.
“After visiting Benguela three times and meeting various partners in Lobito, I came to understand the true scale of the Corridor and its potential impact on the country’s future,” Joshi said. He emphasized that the Lobito Corridor stands out as a viable, high-impact development model.
According to the ambassador, the success of the project lies in the strong partnership between the public and private sectors, offering a real-world example of how private financing can be instrumental in implementing large-scale infrastructure projects.
“The Corridor demonstrates how well-structured partnerships can drive development and attract new investment flows,” he added.
Joshi also praised Angola’s business climate, calling it “surprisingly favorable” compared to other African countries. He noted that Angola’s access to energy, water, arable land, a young workforce, and its strategic location within the SADC region make it a highly attractive destination for investors.
“The country has abundant resources, political stability, and in recent years has shown strong commitment to diversifying its economy, which is evident in increased investment in agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing,” he said.
The ambassador reminded participants that Angola was once a major agricultural hub on the continent and possesses all the necessary conditions to regain that status.
However, he stressed the need to continue addressing structural challenges—particularly the quality of infrastructure supporting business and foreign investment.
Joshi also commended Angola’s fiscal responsibility in managing inherited commitments under challenging circumstances, reaffirming the UK’s interest in strengthening economic cooperation with the country.
