The African Development Bank (ADB) is strengthening its support for the Lobito corridor with $265 million in funding for Zambia. This first phase will launch the construction of new rail and road infrastructure to improve regional connectivity between Zambia, Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank approved a $255 million loan from the African Development Fund (ADF) and a $10 million grant from the Rome Process/Mattei Financial Facility Plan to support Zambia's participation in the development of the Lobito Economic Corridor.

This funding is the first tranche of a programme to raise up to an additional $500 million in future phases.

The project involves the construction of approximately 550 kilometres of railway linking Zambia to the Angolan port of Lobito, on the Atlantic façade, as well as the rehabilitation of 105 kilometres of the Mwinilunga–Jimbe road.

Beyond transport infrastructure, the programme includes trade facilitation measures, institutional support and capacity-building to develop an economic corridor combining logistics, agriculture, energy and urban development.

By linking the Zambian Copperbelt and several agricultural and mining regions to the port of Lobito, the project aims to provide new access to international markets, reduce logistical costs and increase the reliability of supply chains in southern Africa.

According to AfDB, this first phase should also encourage private investment through a co-financing mechanism and contribute to the creation of around 500 permanent jobs and 5000 temporary jobs in the construction, logistics and services sectors.

At least 350 people will also receive training in railway infrastructure, logistics corridor management and maintenance, with attention to women and young people.