What is the Lobito Corridor, cited by US Africa envoy as model for ties?
Summary
The Lobito Corridor is a 1,300 km rail and transport route connecting Angola’s Atlantic port of Lobito to mineral-rich areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia. The United States supports this project as a way to boost trade, create jobs, and strengthen regional cooperation in Africa, while also securing critical minerals needed for clean energy and defense.Key Facts
- The Lobito Corridor links the port of Lobito in Angola to mining regions in the DRC and Zambia.
- It covers about 1,300 kilometers (810 miles) and uses the Benguela Railway as its main infrastructure.
- The railway was originally built during colonial times and fell into disrepair after Angola’s civil war ended.
- China renovated the railway through a $2 billion rail-for-oil program.
- In 2023, a 30-year concession for the corridor was granted to a group including Trafigura and other companies.
- The US pledged billions of dollars to improve transport capacity and support critical mineral supply chains.
- The Biden administration signed a deal in 2022 to help fund this and other African infrastructure projects with partners like the EU and G7.
- US official Frank Garcia said the corridor reflects a US focus on trade, jobs, and regional integration, linking it to the “America First” policy.
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