Fellow citizens, We, the member states of the Lobito Corridor, namely Angola, the Democra

Fellow citizens,



We, the member states of the Lobito Corridor, namely Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Zambia, have launched the concessioning of the Lobito port and the rail line a significant infrastructure that will be operated under a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV).



At the invitation of His Excellency President Manuel Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenço, the President of the Republic of Angola, and in the presence of President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo of the Democratic Republic of Congo, we have successfully implemented the long-standing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between our countries. This action is a result of our visit to Angola in January this year, and marks a significant step in enhancing trade and investment opportunities within the region.



Traditionally, Zambia has relied on a limited number of trade routes for our goods and services. However, as part of our ambitious economic transformation agenda, which involves increased investment, we recognize the need for additional alternatives to sea ports. The Lobito Corridor, therefore, offers us not only the shortest route to the sea but also serves as a vital logistics facilitator for our imports and exports. By leveraging this corridor, we gain a preferential advantage over other available options.



We eagerly anticipate the positive impacts that will arise from this development, including increased private sector investments, job creation, and economic growth in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, and Angola. The improved movement of people, goods, and services, along with reduced operating costs and travel times for our transporters, will contribute significantly to these outcomes.



Furthermore, the utilization of the rail system for the transportation of imports and exports through our Jimbe border in the North Western Province will alleviate the pressure on our roads, particularly the Solwezi-Chingola road, thereby minimizing damage and associated maintenance costs.



It is now our responsibility to prioritize the urgent upgrade of infrastructure in the North Western Province, ensuring seamless connectivity to the Angolan and DRC routes, which will facilitate efficient movement of our people and goods.



We stressed the need for our countries to prioritize value addition our raw materials so we can export finished products for the benefit of our citizens in our countries.



Equally important was witnessing the connection of our countries to the Transatlantic fibre optic cable for speedy and easy communication that will enhance business opportunities among our people.



We have since concluded our mission and on our way back to Zambia.



We thank you for your support and prayers.



Hakainde Hichilema,

President of the Republic of Zambia
[Fellow citizens,

We, the member states of the Lobito Corridor, namely Angola, the Democra](https://somee.social/posts/741332)