The Lobito Corridor is a major new railway and trade route connecting Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) to the Atlantic Ocean. It will run from Angola’s Port of Lobito all the way to Zambia’s Copperbelt and North-Western Province, creating a shorter and more efficient route for trade
A new railway line, approximately 500 kilometres long, will be constructed in Zambia’s North-Western Province. It will connect to the existing Zambia Railways line in Chingola, with the proposed route passing through towns like Solwezi and the Jimbe border crossing.
This project is expected to be a game-changer. It will make Zambia a key regional logistics hub, providing a faster and cheaper route for exports like minerals and agricultural products. This:
Yes. The project will create thousands of jobs in multiple sectors, from the initial construction of the railway to long-term work in logistics, transport, agriculture, and new businesses that will develop along the route. It will also include skills development and training initiatives to prepare youth and women for roles in logistics, CRMs and minerals, agribusiness, and renewable energy.
Farmers in regions like the North-Western Province will gain direct access to new markets in Angola and beyond. The railway will make it cheaper and faster to transport crops and other goods, helping them increase their income and grow their businesses.
Small businesses will benefit from lower transportation costs. This makes it more affordable to import raw materials and machinery and to export finished products to new international markets. The project aims to encourage local value addition, which means more money stays in Zambia.
The project is a collaboration between the governments of Zambia, Angola, and the DRC, with major support from partners including the United States, the European Union, the African Development Bank, and the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC). It is a new model of partnership designed to minimize financial risk to the African nations involved. Private sector participation and public-private partnerships (PPPs) are expected to play a strong role in financing infrastructure and service delivery.
The Government of the Republic of Zambia is a key partner in this project. It is responsible for facilitating the construction, securing land rights, and ensuring that the project aligns with Zambia’s national development goals to become a “land-linked regional transit hub.”
Feasibility studies are complete and construction is expected to begin in early 2026. While large-scale infrastructure projects like this take time, the aim is to have the corridor fully operational and functional in the coming years, with benefits becoming visible as construction progresses. A project timeline infographic (studies → construction → phased operations → full completion) will be available on the official website.
Project partners are committed to the highest international standards for the environment and social development. This includes proper land acquisition procedures, fair compensation, and effective community engagement. These steps are crucial to ensure that the project is built and operated in a way that benefits everyone. The project will also align with EU Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, IFC safeguards, and Zambia’s green economy commitments.
The Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU), established by President Hakainde Hichilema, is leading the coordination of the project on behalf of the Zambian Government. The PDU ensures that all relevant ministries and agencies are working together to fast-track the project’s delivery.
The Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry is an essential partner for the project’s success. It contributes to identifying business opportunities and relevant Zambian participants for events like the EU-Zambia Lobito Corridor Business Forum. The Ministry also works to create a business environment that supports trade and industry along the corridor. Contact details and focal persons from the Ministry will be shared via the website for stakeholder engagement.
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.
