Born in Angola, the Lobito Corridor plays a pivotal role in Africa's economic development. It gives the country a unique chance to become a gateway for international trade by facilitating transportation and boosting investments within the country and its neighbouring regions.
The origins of the Corridor go back to the early 20th century 1902 when the Benguela Railway was constructed. The railway linked Lobito to the continent's heart, reaching as far as the Katanga region in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Completed in 1929, the Benguela Railway was a critical artery for exporting minerals to international markets. However, during Angola's civil war 1975-2002, large segments of the railway were damaged or abandoned, halting cross-border transit and trade.
After the war, the Angolan government began the rehabilitation of the Benguela Railway, which is a cornerstone of the project. This involves upgrading the railway tracks, modernising signalling systems, and improving rolling stock to ensure efficient and reliable transportation of goods and passengers.
But the project is more ambitious and far reaching.
The Port of Lobito is being expanded and modernised to handle increased cargo volumes. This includes the construction of new terminals, deepening of the harbour, and installation of state-of-the-art cargo handling equipment.