Lobito, Angola – U.S. President Joe Biden pledged on Wednesday to return to Angola to witness the full operation of the Lobito Corridor, a landmark infrastructure project poised to transform trade and economic integration in Southern Africa.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Multilateral Summit on the Lobito Corridor, held at the Carrinho Group Industrial Complex in Catumbela, Benguela Province, Biden emphasized the project’s potential as a catalyst for economic growth.
Drawing a historical parallel, the President referenced the pioneering work of Abraham Lincoln in the 19th century, highlighting Lincoln’s role in developing the first transcontinental railroad, which connected the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. “Infrastructure projects like the Lobito Corridor echo the vision of progress that reshaped nations and connected continents,” Biden remarked.
The summit, which brought together leaders from Angola, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, underscored the corridor’s significance in fostering regional connectivity and attracting global investment. Biden’s promise to return reflects the United States’ growing interest in supporting strategic infrastructure initiatives across Africa.
The Lobito Corridor is widely recognized as a transformative venture, linking Angola’s Port of Lobito to Zambia and the DRC via a 1,344-kilometer rail line. Once fully operational, the corridor is expected to facilitate the transport of up to 30 million tons of cargo annually, boosting trade efficiency and economic diversification in the region.
