The United States has reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to investing in the Lobito Corridor, as confirmed by the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires in Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe during his visit to Huambo on Tuesday.
James Story, after meeting with Governor Pereira Alfredo, stated that his three-day visit to Lobito Corridor projects is part of an initiative that includes 16 ambassadors from various countries. The visit highlights the U.S. government’s dedication to supporting the development of the Corridor, which will contribute to the prosperity of both the Angolan government and its people.
“U.S. investment in the Lobito Corridor is fully committed,” Story remarked. “We are partnering with the Angolan government and the international community on projects such as solar energy, the Lobito Railway, energy, and agriculture, all of which are driving regional development.”
Zahira Virani, the UN Resident Coordinator in Angola, expressed her satisfaction at being part of the high-level delegation of investors. She emphasized that the primary value of the Lobito Corridor lies in its potential to foster sustainable development, generate jobs, and bring prosperity to the people of Angola.
Virani also pointed out that the Corridor is more than just a commercial initiative; it is a comprehensive infrastructure project with a wide-reaching impact on sectors such as agriculture and value chains. The development is expected to create employment opportunities for youth, ensuring inclusive growth that benefits all.
Rosário Bento Pais, the European Union Ambassador to Angola, discussed European investments in the Lobito Corridor, particularly through the involvement of European companies. She highlighted that three European companies have signed a memorandum of understanding with the U.S., Angola, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo to promote sustainable development across the five provinces served by the railway.
“The Lobito Corridor is not just a transport route, but an economic corridor,” Pais said. “It will drive economic growth across various sectors, including agriculture, energy, and digitalization, while fostering training and other advancements.”
Pais further noted that the European Union is focused on attracting private sector investments, particularly from Belgium and France, and is providing technical assistance to ensure a favorable business environment along the Corridor.
On the first day of their visit, the group of ambassadors toured the Lobito Atlantic Railway (LAR) training center and the headquarters of construction company Mota-Engil in Huambo. On the second day, they traveled by train to Longonjo municipality for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Pensana project, which seeks to develop a rare earth mine at Mount Tchimbilundo.
The delegation’s visit is part of a Memorandum of Understanding signed on October 18, 2023, between Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, the European Union, and the United States.
Governor Pereira Alfredo emphasized Huambo’s commitment to hosting two key infrastructure projects— the Logistics Platform and the Industrial Development Hub—both located in Caála municipality. He expressed pride in Huambo’s selection as a key location for this high-level mission, which includes ambassadors from the U.S., the European Union, Belgium, Romania, Germany, Portugal, Italy, Canada, the UK, the UN, Norway, South Korea, Sweden, and Switzerland, all of whom are visiting the Lobito Corridor over the course of three days.
Governor Alfredo concluded by reaffirming that investment in Huambo remains secure and will continue to be a significant driver of the region’s development, extending from Lobito to Moxico East.
