This ministry plays a key role in ensuring the project’s sustainability. The European Union has commissioned a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of the corridor, and the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment will help ensure that the project minimizes its environmental impact and aligns with green economy principles.

The Lobito Corridor is a central part of the global clean energy transition. It will provide a new, efficient transport route for Zambia’s critical minerals like copper and cobalt. It also aims to attract new investments in the energy sector, including transmission projects, which will help meet the growing demand for power from new businesses and communities along the route. The Corridor will also enable Zambia to participate in regional battery value-chains, explore green hydrogen, and expand cross-border energy trade.

The project is not just for large corporations. The Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development works to ensure that smaller businesses can participate and benefit from the new opportunities. This includes trade missions, training programmes in quality assurance, and helping SMEs access new markets.

As the documents mention, the European Union has commissioned an Urban Development study to forecast the expected population growth along the corridor. This will help ministries like the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development to plan for the increased need for housing, water, waste management, and other essential services in affected cities.

The project commits to fair and equitable land acquisition procedures. This involves working with the Ministry of Land and Natural Resources to ensure that local communities receive fair compensation and that their interests are considered during the process.

Yes. The vision for the Lobito Corridor extends beyond Zambia. It is designed to be the first open-access transcontinental rail link in Africa, with a long-term goal of connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian Ocean, potentially linking with other existing corridors like the TAZARA railway. The Corridor will integrate with other AfCFTA-recognized trade corridors, enhancing regional trade under the continental free trade framework.

A dedicated website and information centre are planned to provide continuous updates on the project’s progress. Public meetings and media briefings will also be held to keep the public informed and to answer any questions that may arise. Stakeholders will also be able to subscribe to a newsletter and follow official social media pages for real-time updates.

It is both. While the Lobito Corridor is being built and operated in partnership with the governments of Zambia, Angola, and the DRC, it is an internationally funded and managed project. The goal is to connect Zambia’s economy to global markets, creating opportunities for our nation on the world stage.

The Ministry of Transport and Logistics is mandated to coordinate all transport corridor activities. The Minister of Transport and Logistics, Hon. Frank Tayali, has been a key figure in the project, signing the concession agreement for the railway and highlighting its importance in transforming Zambia into a regional transport and logistics hub.

The Lobito Corridor will unlock Zambia’s economic potential by providing a direct and efficient trade route to global markets, driving growth in key sectors and creating jobs. Here’s a simplified breakdown of the benefits, with key messages for each sector.

The Corridor is also a bankable investment platform, aligned with Zambia’s Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) and the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, ensuring sustainable, inclusive growth for decades to come.