Angolan Minister Dismisses Claims of U.S. Withdrawal from Lobito Corridor Funding

Angola’s Minister of Transport, Ricardo d’Abreu, has refuted circulating reports claiming that the United States has withdrawn funding for the Lobito Corridor.

Speaking to Angop on Friday in Huambo during the Investment Opportunities Forum along the Lobito Corridor, d’Abreu clarified that the project is being developed through private investment by its concessionaire and shareholders.

“Funding for the Lobito Corridor is not solely dependent on the United States,” he emphasized.

He recalled that former U.S. President Donald Trump had only placed on hold certain initiatives by American aid agencies, particularly USAID, but these had no connection to the Lobito Corridor.

“The Lobito Corridor is operated under a concession by Lobito Atlantic Railway, which is making investments through shareholder capital.

Additionally, financing to cover investment responsibilities will be provided by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), which continues to work with us. There is no indication that this funding is suspended, contrary to the circulating reports,” d’Abreu explained.

He further noted that while USAID had intended to support feasibility studies for extending the Lobito Corridor, the suspension of its activities under the Trump administration had no impact on the project’s progress.

“USAID planned to contribute $250,000 towards studies for the corridor’s extension to Zambia. However, this in no way affects the overall progress of the project, which is being fully developed by the African Finance Corporation,” he stated.

The minister also confirmed that preparatory work is ongoing to ensure the project’s groundbreaking takes place at the beginning of 2026.

SOURCE:angolanminingoilandgas.com