Zambia’s Minister Backs Lobito Corridor for Greater Trade, Travel, and Investment
Africa’s travel stakeholders are turning their attention to the Lobito Corridor as Zambia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, Hon. Museba Frank Tayali, reveals its ambitious roadmap to strengthen regional trade and transform transport links across Zambia, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. During the Second Meeting of the Committee of Ministers of the Lobito Corridor Transit Transport Facilitation Agency (LCTTFA) in Lobito, Angola, Hon. Tayali underscored the vast potential of this route to boost cross-border commerce and open new possibilities for travel.
Positioned to cut both travel times and operational costs, the Lobito Corridor aims to revolutionize the movement of goods and people through the busy Port of Lobito. For African travel professionals, better road, rail, and border infrastructure could stimulate tourism flows and inspire coordinated initiatives that attract visitors to multiple destinations. With streamlined connections in Zambia, Angola, and DRC, agents can craft more appealing itineraries, connecting travelers to cultural sites and business hubs with greater efficiency.
Highlighting recent milestones, Hon. Tayali pointed to constructive engagements with the Africa Finance Corporation for the Zambia-Angola Greenfield Railway Project, which culminated in a landmark Conditional Concession Agreement signed on 24 September 2024 in New York. He also emphasized ongoing progress in upgrading the Lusaka-Ndola Dual Carriageway, a key artery within the Corridor’s infrastructure. These endeavors, along with powerfully symbolic joint projects such as the Jimbe One-Stop Border Post, Sakanya and Kambimba Border facilities, and the Solwezi-Kipushi Road enhancements, demonstrate tangible strides toward fostering a more integrated region.
Hon. Tayali was resolute in his call for stakeholders to implement critical decisions and maintain momentum. Citing analyses that well-organized corridors can boost trade by as much as 30% and create substantial employment opportunities, he reminded fellow ministers that successful collaboration would benefit countless communities, including the tourism sector. Smooth transport access and diversified economic activities mean more hotels, services, and tour operators catering to both business and leisure travelers.
He commended Angola for hosting the meeting in Lobito, underscoring the port town’s strategic location for maritime trade and travel. Reflecting the spirit of unity, he reinforced Zambia’s dedication to realizing the full potential of the Lobito Corridor for the benefit of the entire region. #Jointly spearheaded by Zambia, Angola, and the DRC, the Lobito Corridor is an emblem of how integrated infrastructure can help drive Africa’s future. As travel agents throughout the continent explore new market segments and routes, these enhanced connections promise to elevate regional tourism, support robust trade growth, and shape a more interconnected Africa for generations to come.
