The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has called for a clear roadmap with specific indicators to accelerate the implementation of the Lobito Corridor, a strategic project aimed at boosting regional trade and economic growth. The call was made during the second high-level coordination meeting held in Lusaka, Zambia, on October 4, 2026. The meeting brought together the DRC, Angola, Zambia, the World Bank, and other partners to discuss the need to accelerate the execution of commitments related to the corridor.
The DRC's Minister of External Trade, Julien Paluku, emphasized the importance of a clear roadmap with specific indicators to monitor and accelerate the implementation of resolutions taken within the framework of the Lobito Corridor. The meeting's participants reaffirmed their commitment to aligning with a common Master Plan that would help remove administrative obstacles at borders, stimulate regional trade, and strengthen the involvement of small and medium-sized enterprises.
The Lobito Corridor is a critical project aimed at promoting economic growth and regional integration. The project's implementation is expected to contribute to the creation of jobs and stimulate economic activity in the region. The DRC, Angola, and Zambia have been working together to develop the corridor, which is expected to boost trade and economic cooperation among the three countries.
During the meeting, participants discussed the development of energy infrastructure to promote the local transformation of minerals and agricultural products before exportation. They also emphasized the need for financing and execution of priority railway and road projects, as well as the development of border infrastructure, including single-stop border posts.
The European Union has pledged €2 billion in support of initiatives related to the Lobito Corridor, which has been welcomed by the DRC. However, Minister Paluku called for these financial commitments to be translated into concrete achievements. The DRC's Minister of State, Minister of Planning and Development, Guylain Nyembo, announced that the country would engage in reforms as part of the harmonization of the common Master Plan for the Lobito Corridor.
The second high-level coordination meeting on the Lobito Corridor closed on October 4, 2026, with a commitment to accelerate the implementation of priority projects and strengthen coordination between the concerned states and their partners. The meeting's outcome is expected to contribute to the effective implementation of the Lobito Corridor project.
The DRC's push for a clear roadmap with specific indicators for the Lobito Corridor reflects the country's commitment to ensuring the project's successful implementation. The project's success is expected to have a positive impact on the region's economy and contribute to the growth of regional trade.
Key points
- - The DRC advocates for a clear roadmap with specific indicators to accelerate implementation of the Lobito Corridor. - The Lobito Corridor aims to boost regional trade and economic growth by removing administrative obstacles at borders and stimulating the involvement of small and medium-sized enterprises. - The European Union has pledged €2 billion in support of initiatives related to the Lobito Corridor.
