DRC Seeks $500 Million World Bank Support for Lobito Corridor Project
DRC requests $500M from World Bank to develop Lobito Corridor, boosting regional trade and infrastructure
During the IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Finance Minister, Doudou Fwamba, submitted a $500 million financing request to the World Bank to support the Lobito Corridor project.
The Finance Ministry confirmed that the institution has agreed to review the proposal.
In discussions with World Bank Managing Director for Operations Anna Bjerde, Minister Fwamba outlined the government’s vision to spur economic growth along the strategic transport corridor, focusing on two main segments: Tenke–Lubumbashi–Sakania and Tenke–Kolwezi–Dilolo, extending to the Angolan border and the port of Lobito.
Feasibility studies conducted in September by a joint EU–U.S. expert team estimated rehabilitation costs for the Tenke–Kolwezi–Dilolo line at $400–410 million, with $180 million in maintenance costs over ten years.
The second phase, covering Tenke–Lubumbashi–Sakania and its extension to the Zambian border, would bring the total investment to approximately $1.1 billion.
Minister Fwamba emphasized that the corridor’s economic success hinges on expanding energy and mining production and boosting local processing capacity, which are expected to create jobs and stimulate agricultural growth.
Anna Bjerde welcomed the DRC’s ongoing economic reforms, highlighting the strategic value of the Lobito Corridor as a regional driver for logistics, energy, and agro-industry.
The Congolese government has committed to promoting cross-border projects similar to initiatives in Angola, Zambia, and Tanzania. In April 2025, Prime Minister Judith Suminwa directed the preparation of development projects along the corridor under the supervision of the Transport and Planning Ministries and Mattei Committee experts.
In September, the World Bank launched a feasibility study on the corridor’s economic impact, conducted with researchers from the Universities of Lubumbashi and Kolwezi and the Bank’s teams.
The study aims to identify investment opportunities along the Congolese section to maximize the corridor’s economic and social benefits.
SOURCE:bankable.africa
