Minister of Transport Highlights Lobito Corridor’s Role in Zambia’s EV Hub Growth
Zambia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, Hon. Frank Tayali, has underscored the Lobito Corridor Project as a transformative initiative that will position Zambia as a leading hub for electric vehicle (EV) battery production and assembly.
Speaking at the Lobito Corridor Stakeholder Discussion during the recent Mining Indaba in South Africa, Hon. Tayali reaffirmed the government’s commitment to leveraging the project’s benefits through regulatory reforms in the EV industry.
The Lobito Corridor is a vital trade route connecting Angola’s Port of Lobito to the mineral-rich regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia’s Copperbelt Province.
It is expected to improve the efficiency of goods and services transportation, strengthening trade links between Africa, the Americas, and Europe.
Given the region’s vast deposits of critical minerals essential for the global energy transition, the corridor is set to attract large-scale mining investments, fostering economic growth and regional integration.
Hon. Tayali emphasized the job creation potential of the corridor, noting its role in poverty alleviation and positioning Zambia as a regional transport and logistics hub.
A key milestone in this initiative is the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Zambia and the DRC, aimed at capitalizing on both nations’ rich mineral resources to establish Africa’s largest EV battery industry.
As part of this strategy, Zambia has developed an Industrial Park in the Copperbelt dedicated to EV battery production and vehicle assembly.
A crucial component of this transformation is the Zambia Lobito Rail Development Project, a Greenfield railway project that will significantly enhance Zambia’s connectivity with Western markets.
Once completed, the railway will provide a faster, more efficient transport link to the Port of Lobito, improving trade access for both imports and exports.
Hon. Tayali highlighted Zambia’s investor-friendly climate, citing peace, stability, tax incentives, and a predictable business environment as key factors in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) in transport, logistics, and EV industries.
Beyond its rich mineral wealth, Zambia offers vast natural resources, a skilled and affordable workforce, and world-class banking, legal, and insurance services.
To further boost investment, the government has introduced fiscal and non-fiscal incentives designed to stimulate economic growth.
The Lobito Corridor Project marks a significant step in Zambia’s industrialization and economic diversification efforts.
With its strategic location, abundant minerals, and supportive policies, Zambia is poised to become a major player in the global EV supply chain.
As infrastructure development progresses, the initiative is expected to drive economic growth, create jobs, and solidify Zambia’s role in international trade and sustainable energy.
SOURCE:freighttrendsglobal.com
