U.S. Reaffirms Support for Lobito Corridor to Boost DRC and Regional Economies
On April 17, 2025, U.S. Senior Advisor Massad Boulos announced that Washington would continue supporting the Lobito Corridor, a major rail and road project connecting the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) mineral-rich regions to Angola’s Atlantic port. The statement followed his visit to the DRC, Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya.
“We fully support the Lobito Corridor, a huge project vital not only for the economies of Congo, Zambia, and Angola but for the entire region,” Boulos said during a press briefing.
He noted that the U.S. Development Finance Corporation is a key financier and that funding would be forthcoming.
Boulos also outlined ongoing discussions with President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration to strengthen infrastructure on the Congolese side. “We are now discussing railways, highways, and power projects, including dams and hydroelectric initiatives,” he added.
These efforts aim to address the DRC’s critical infrastructure gaps, essential for unlocking the potential of its vast cobalt reserves, which account for over 60% of global supply.
The announcement came amid budget cuts to international development aid under the Trump administration, raising concerns about sustained U.S. funding for projects like the Lobito Corridor.
No specific financial commitments were disclosed, leaving the scope of future U.S. involvement unclear.
Boulos also emphasized America’s growing diplomatic role in resolving the conflict in eastern DRC, where the M23 rebel group, allegedly supported by Rwanda, remains active.
He pointed to recent progress in Qatar-mediated DRC-M23 talks and U.S.-led negotiations for a minerals agreement to encourage American private sector investment. The deal, still under negotiation, aims to secure U.S. access to critical Congolese minerals.
Meanwhile, China continues to dominate infrastructure projects in the DRC through minerals-for-infrastructure agreements.
Institutions like the World Bank, the African Development Bank, France’s AFD, and Belgium’s Enabel offer alternative partnerships.
Addressing this competition, Boulos stated, “We are not interfering with others. We are pursuing our ventures and facilitating investment by our companies.
Time will tell who the Congolese people see as their best partners.”
The Lobito Corridor is central to the DRC’s economic strategy, especially for conflict-affected eastern regions like Katanga and North Kivu.
By improving transport links for cobalt, copper, and tin exports, the project aims to reduce reliance on southern African routes, boost trade efficiency, create jobs, and support peace and development efforts across the region.
