LOBITO, ANGOLA: VICE-PRESIDENT Dr Philip Mpango has said that the government is actively engaged in discussions on its potential participation in developing the Lobito Corridor.
These deliberations consider national priorities, bilateral agreements and regional commitments.
Dr Mpango made the revelation during a meeting of Heads of State from Angola, the United States, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia regarding the Lobito Corridor.
That was when the VicePresident was representing President Samia Suluhu Hassan at the meeting, held in Lobito City, Angola, where Tanzania was an invited guest.
He highlighted Tanzania’s extensive experience in connecting nations, noting that the country already links landlinked Central African countries with the Middle East, Asia and the Far East.
Dr Mpango further pointed out that the Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) and the Tanzania–Zambia Crude Oil Pipeline (TAZAMA) have fostered cooperation and mutual prosperity since the 1970s.
Additionally, he emphasised that through the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol on Communication, Transport and Meteorology, Tanzania is well connected to its neighbours and the wider SADC region, enhancing the transport of people, goods and opportunities.
TAZARA, according to Dr Mpango, facilitates train travel from Tanzania to several SADC countries, including Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
“Tanzania is committed to fostering regional cooperation and mutual prosperity,” Dr Mpango declared.
He praised the progress made in developing the Lobito Corridor, stating that such cooperation and innovation will help achieve the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
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The Lobito Corridor involves constructing a railway that will connect the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia and Angola, aiming to link the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian Ocean.
The meeting was attended by the Presidents of Angola, João Lourenço; the United States, Joe Biden; the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Félix Tshisekedi; and Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema.
The leaders discussed the transformative impact of the Lobito Trans-Africa Corridor, which has enhanced access to critical minerals for the clean energy transition, boosted digital connectivity, strengthened food security, increased regional trade and empowered communities along the corridor.
The Lobito Corridor connects the southern regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, northwestern Zambia and Angola to regional and global trade markets via the port of Lobito.
It is the first strategic economic corridor launched under the G7 Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII) in May 2023.
The Lobito Corridor is expected to unlock the region’s enormous potential, boost exports for Angola, the DRC and Zambia and generate value and job opportunities through investments and supporting initiatives.
