On February 21, Dr. Ricardo Viegas D’Abreu, Angola’s Minister of Transport, participated in the Investment Opportunities Forum focused on the Lobito corridor. This major event aimed to explore and strengthen development prospects for this infrastructure, considered strategic for both Angola and the region.
Speaking during a ministerial panel, Dr. D’Abreu highlighted the decisive role of railway and port concessions, as well as logistics platforms in attracting private capital. According to him, these investments are essential to energize the Lobito corridor and transform it into a true engine of economic and social development.
“The Ministry of Transport plays a key role in diversifying the Angolan economy and its sustained growth, creating conditions for our infrastructure to stimulate trade, industry, and the country’s competitiveness in every measure,” the minister stated.
Dr. D’Abreu took this opportunity to clarify the situation regarding the project’s financing by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). He emphasized that “the DFC financing for the operation of the Lobito Atlantic Corridor (LAR), concessionaire of the Lobito corridor railway line and the Lobito port mining terminal, is not in question.” He added that procedures are following their normal course with a conclusion expected in the coming months, and that the U.S. administration’s decision to temporarily suspend USAID support for certain projects in other countries does not affect this specific financing.
To conclude his speech, the minister reaffirmed his vision: “The Lobito corridor is an engine of growth and sustainable development. I will therefore continue to work with the entire team at the Ministry of Transport, with executive partners, and with the national and international private business community to ensure that this infrastructure realizes its potential and brings new economic opportunities to Angola and the entire region.”
This corridor represents a major transport axis connecting Central Africa’s mining areas to Atlantic port facilities, thus constituting an essential lever for regional economic integration and access to international markets.
