Zambia reaffirms commitment to Lobito railway project, eyes regional boost in trade, industrialization

Zambia remains committed to the Lobito Railway Project and the broader Lobito Corridor development, recognising its potential to drive regional trade, industrialization, and economic growth, Transport and Logistics Minister Frank Tayali has said.

Speaking at the Mattei Plan and Global Gateway Meeting in Italy, Tayali emphasized that the corridor would play a crucial role in strengthening connectivity between Zambia, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

He stressed that efficient transport infrastructure was vital for unlocking Africa’s economic potential, particularly in energy, sustainable agriculture, and digital infrastructure.

Tayali highlighted that the Lobito Railway Project was expected to lower logistics costs, provide a shorter export route for copper and other minerals, and support economic diversification beyond raw materials.

He further stated that the initiative would enhance regional trade by strengthening Zambia’s economic ties with Angola and the DRC in line with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The project was also expected to attract foreign direct investment, generate employment opportunities, and reduce transport costs by providing an alternative to traditional trade corridors such as Durban and Dar es Salaam.

The Minister underscored the importance of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in ensuring the success of the Lobito Corridor.

He called for harmonized policies among partner countries and complementary investments in road and border infrastructure.

Tayali also stressed the need for local capacity building and skills transfer, ensuring that Zambians benefit from the project beyond transportation improvements.

Highlighting Zambia’s role in the global energy transition, Tayali noted that the country holds significant deposits of copper, cobalt, and nickel, which are critical for the green economy.

He reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to tripling copper production to three million metric tonnes per annum by 2031 and invited Italian and international investors to explore opportunities in mining, infrastructure, and industrial development.

Ahead of the meeting, Tayali engaged in bilateral discussions with Koen Doens, Director General of International Partnerships for the European Union (EU), to outline practical steps that will ensure tangible progress on the Lobito Corridor.

He reassured investors that Zambia remained committed to creating an investment-friendly environmentand strengthening regional collaboration through projects such as the Lobito Railway.

The Minister also expressed appreciation for the European Union (EU) and Italy’s support in advancing Zambia’s infrastructure development and fostering regional trade integration.

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