Zambia and Angola are moving closer to launching the Lobito Corridor railway, a major infrastructure project that could reshape regional trade and food security. Zambia’s transport minister, Frank Tayali, revealed plans to begin construction by Q3 2026, connecting the country’s copper belt to Angola’s Atlantic coast, thereby boosting exports of copper and agricultural produce. The project has attracted interest from the US, EU, and Africa Finance Corporation, with financing talks progressing steadily. Angola’s economic coordination minister, José Massano, reaffirmed commitment to the project but emphasized there will be no direct government funding. He revealed that Luanda is negotiating with the private sector to fund the project. Additionally, Massano stated that Angola is pushing forward with a $500 million World Bank deal for the project.
BusinessDay
