DRC, Zambia, and Angola Launch Strategic Coordination Meeting in Luanda

Luanda, February 5, 2026 - The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Zambia, and Angola kicked off an inaugural coordination meeting in Luanda on Thursday, February 5, focusing on the implementation of the strategic Lobito Corridor project. The two-day session, held in partnership with the World Bank, gathers the Ministers of Transport, Finance, and Foreign Trade from the three countries to align policies, coordinate investments, and mobilize public and private partners. A Regional Driver of Growth The Lobito Corridor is positioned as a key driver of economic growth, intra-African trade, and job creation, linking Southern and Central Africa to global markets. During the opening, Angolan President João Lourenço urged the participating states and financial partners to adopt a pragmatic approach to accelerate implementation. DRC Prioritizes an Integrated Approach Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Jean-Pierre Bemba emphasized that the DRC is pursuing a comprehensive strategy, combining transport, logistics, energy, trade, and industrial development. The initial priority focuses on the Dilolo-Kolwezi-Tenge section. “We have different phases that we are currently addressing. The priority has been to stabilize the road between Dilolo and Kolwezi. It’s an old railway line we are rehabilitating with private sector support. We have obtained $110 million in funding to work on 80 kilometers of this section,” Bemba explained. A Lever for Development Minister of Foreign Trade Julien Paluku Kahongya highlighted the need for country ownership of the corridor to make it a genuine development lever for local populations. “The Lobito corridor was often perceived as a project driven by others. I am pleased that Angola, the DRC, and Zambia are now working together with partners to consider its impact on our populations. If we continue to view it solely as transport infrastructure, the people will remain in the same situation the corridor found them in,” he said. Reforms to Boost Investment Finance Minister Doudou Fwamba stressed that the DRC is undertaking reforms to improve the business climate, a crucial step to attract investment and ensure the success of the corridor project.

Faits rapportés

Luanda, February 5, 2026 - The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Zambia, and Angola kicked off an inaugural coordination meeting in Luanda on Thursday, February 5, focusing on the implementation of the strategic Lobito Corridor project. The two-day session, held in partnership with the World Bank, gathers the Ministers of Transport, Finance, and Foreign Trade from the three countries to align policies, coordinate investments, and mobilize public and private partners. A Regional Driver of Growth The Lobito Corridor is positioned as a key driver of economic growth, intra-African trade, and job creation, linking Southern and Central Africa to global markets. During the opening, Angolan President João Lourenço urged the participating states and financial partners to adopt a pragmatic approach to accelerate implementation. DRC Prioritizes an Integrated Approach Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Jean-Pierre Bemba emphasized that the DRC is pursuing a comprehensive strategy, combining transport, logistics, energy, trade, and industrial development. The initial priority focuses on the Dilolo-Kolwezi-Tenge section. “We have different phases that we are currently addressing. The priority has been to stabilize the road between Dilolo and Kolwezi. It’s an old railway line we are rehabilitating with private sector support. We have obtained $110 million in funding to work on 80 kilometers of this section,” Bemba explained. A Lever for Development Minister of Foreign Trade Julien Paluku Kahongya highlighted the need for country ownership of the corridor to make it a genuine development lever for local populations. “The Lobito corridor was often perceived as a project driven by others. I am pleased that Angola, the DRC, and Zambia are now working together with partners to consider its impact on our populations. If we continue to view it solely as transport infrastructure, the people will remain in the same situation the corridor found them in,” he said. Reforms to Boost Investment Finance Minister Doudou Fwamba stressed that the DRC is undertaking reforms to improve the business climate, a crucial step to attract investment and ensure the success of the corridor project.