23
Sep

European Development Network Eyes Investment in Lobito Corridor

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The Practitioners’ Network for European Development Cooperation (PN) has expressed strong interest in exploring investment opportunities within the Lobito Corridor.

The corridor is a strategic regional transport and trade route linking Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Zambia to international markets.

The Practitioners’ Network brings together 27 European public sector development organizations from 21 countries across Europe..

A high-level delegation from the Network is currently in Zambia on a joint fact-finding mission, organized by the Co-Presidency of the Network—held this year by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and Enabel, the Belgian Development Agency.

In an interview with ZNBC News, SIDA Director General Jakob Granit said the Lobito Corridor holds immense potential for unlocking trade and development across Southern Africa.

He also noted that Sweden is exploring ways to support Zambia in strengthening its electricity sector, with a focus on renewable energy and improved power distribution to drive industrialization.

Enabel Chief Executive Officer Jean Van Wetter added that the mission’s primary goal is to enable members of the Network to develop concrete and coordinated European development offers.

He emphasized that the initiative will feed into the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy, which aims to mobilize sustainable infrastructure investments, enhance connectivity, and strengthen value chains across the continent.

The Lobito Corridor has gained international attention in recent years for its potential to facilitate the movement of critical minerals, agricultural products, and manufactured goods.

The Lobito Corridor Business Forum

The Lobito Corridor is emerging as one of Africa’s most strategic trade and investment platforms, linking Zambia’s Copperbelt region to Angola’s Atlantic port through the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). Originally built in the early 20th century and recently revitalized through significant public-private investment, the corridor is now positioned as a gateway to accelerate regional integration, diversify supply-chains, and catalyse inclusive growth across energy, agriculture, and critical raw materials (CRMs).

Agriculture

This track focuses on transforming Zambia’s agricultural sector into a robust pillar of economic growth. Sessions will outline the government’s strategic vision, showcase high-impact investment opportunities across key value chains, and connect Zambian agribusinesses with European financiers and partners through targeted B2B matchmaking.

Energy

This track explores Zambia’s potential as a clean energy hub, from utility-scale projects and regional power export to commercial & industrial solutions and decentralized renewable energy. It will examine innovative business models, financing instruments, and technologies to drive investment in the sector.

Critical Raw Materials

This track is dedicated to forging partnerships for sustainable exploration, extraction, and value addition of Zambia’s critical raw materials. It covers government and EU strategies, new exploration technologies, innovative mining operations, and the significant opportunities in mineral processing and beneficiation.

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