Tanzania is participating in the Lobito Corridor, a railway project connecting four African countries. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently announced.
The feasibility study and contract signing for the 780-kilometre greenfield railway connecting the Lucano Lobito railway line in Angola to the existing railway line in Chingola, Zambia, have also been completed.
The project currently connects Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Zambia and Tanzania to the Indian Ocean via the Atlantic.
The expansion is most significant for the Lobito Corridor. It has expanded the railway’s reach by potentially building a trans-Africa railway line.
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“The Lobito Corridor – connecting Angola, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo – is one of our biggest projects. The ultimate goal is infrastructure connecting the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean,” Mr Blinken said.
The programme aims to promote trade, economic growth and regional integration across the continent. The African Finance Corporation (AFC) is leading the construction of the Zambia-Lobito railway.
They recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the governments of Angola and Zambia. The agreement covers the financing, construction, ownership and operation of the railway.
The Lobito Corridor is planned to be expanded to include Tanzania, allowing the project to continue into the Indian Ocean to facilitate the transportation of nickel and other minerals.
Blinken said the U.S. and its partners have committed more than $4 billion to the Lobito Corridor plan so far.
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USTDA Director Enoh T. Ebong said the project would increase trade, commerce and construction of the keystone between the Angola port of Lobito and the Zambian Copper Belt.
The economic benefits of the project are significant. It is estimated that the project will generate around US$3 billion in revenue for Angola and Zambia. The initiative also promises to reduce emissions by around 300,000 tonnes per year.
More than 1,250 jobs will also be created in construction and operations. The corridor’s main idea goes beyond economics.
Provides good access to essential minerals needed for the global energy transition. These resources are abundant in the Copperbelt region of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia.
Tanzania’s participation brings new opportunities to the project. It increases trade potential for all member countries by opening access to the Indian Ocean.
Tanzanian businesses will have better access to Central and Southern African markets. The project also has geopolitical implications. It is the first major US rail infrastructure investment in Africa.
Some see it as an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative. The Lobito Corridor is part of the G7 Global Infrastructure and Trade Initiative.
