SADC Launches Lobito Corridor Transit Secretariat to Boost Regional Trade and Infrastructure
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat, in partnership with the three Lobito Corridor Member States, has officially launched the Lobito Corridor Transit Transport Interim Secretariat Headquarters in Lobito, Angola. This announcement follows the 2nd Lobito Corridor Committee of Ministers meeting held on January 22, 2025.
At the meeting, Honourable Ricardo Viegas de Abreu, Minister of Transport for Angola, emphasized the strategic role of the Lobito Corridor in promoting intra-African trade and enhancing Africa’s competitiveness in the global market.
He explained that planned infrastructure developments would reduce transit times and logistical costs, thus improving regional trade efficiency.
Minister Viegas de Abreu also acknowledged the critical support from international partners, including the United States, European Union, Italy, and the United Kingdom, in reinforcing the corridor’s importance.
Honourable Museba F. Tayali, Minister of Transport and Logistics for Zambia, underscored the significance of the Lobito Development Corridor for fostering trade and economic growth in the region.
He noted that well-planned corridors could increase trade volumes by 30%, create jobs, and attract investment. Minister Tayali expressed confidence that the corridor would streamline the flow of goods and services to the Port of Lobito, stimulating further economic activity.
Mr. Roger Te Biasu, Coordinator of the Support and Monitoring Unit for Regional Programs and Transport Corridor Activities (CEPCOR) of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), reaffirmed the DRC’s commitment to the Lobito Corridor project.
He highlighted the corridor’s potential as a cost-effective and efficient transport route for mining operations in Katanga Province, offering a 1,775-kilometer route from Kolwezi to the Port of Lobito.
SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration, Ms. Angele Makombo N’tumba, praised the progress in ongoing infrastructure projects, such as the Zambia-Lobito Greenfield railway and the movement of goods via the Lobito Atlantic Railway (LAR).
She emphasized that the Lobito Corridor aligns with SADC’s strategic plans, including the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP 2020-2030) and the SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap (SISR 2015-2063).
The meeting concluded with the approval of the Lobito Corridor Transit Transport Facilitation Agency (LCTTFA) documents, budget, and organizational structures, enabling the full operationalization of the Interim Secretariat.
This body will oversee major infrastructure projects, such as the Zambia-Lobito Railway Greenfield Project and the rehabilitation of the Dilolo-Kolwezi Railway.
These initiatives are expected to promote the involvement of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in regional value chains, stimulating economic development and reducing unemployment across the member states.
