Zambia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, Hon. Frank Tayali, has highlighted the Lobito Corridor Project as a game-changing initiative that will establish Zambia as a leading hub for electric vehicle (EV) battery production and assembly.
Speaking at the Lobito Corridor Stakeholder Discussion during the recent Mining Indaba in South Africa, Hon. Tayali reaffirmed the government’s commitment to leveraging the corridor’s strategic benefits through regulatory reforms in the EV industry.
A Vital Trade Route for Regional and Global Markets
The Lobito Corridor is a critical trade route linking Angola’s Port of Lobito with the mineral-rich regions of Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The corridor is expected to:
- Enhance the transportation of goods and services, boosting trade between Africa, the Americas, and Europe.
- Attract large-scale mining investments, capitalizing on the region’s vast deposits of critical minerals essential for the global energy transition.
- Foster economic growth and regional integration, positioning Zambia as a logistics and transport hub in Africa.
Job Creation and Economic Growth
Hon. Tayali emphasized the job creation potential of the corridor, stressing its role in poverty alleviation and economic diversification. A key aspect of this initiative is the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Zambia and the DRC, aimed at leveraging both nations’ mineral wealth to establish Africa’s largest EV battery industry.
To support this vision, Zambia has developed an Industrial Park in the Copperbelt, dedicated to EV battery production and vehicle assembly.
The Zambia Lobito Rail Development Project
A critical component of this transformation is the Zambia Lobito Rail Development Project, a Greenfield railway project that will enhance connectivity between Zambia and Western markets. Once completed, this railway will:
- Provide a faster, more efficient transport link to the Port of Lobito.
- Improve trade access for both imports and exports.
- Strengthen Zambia’s role as a regional transport and logistics hub.
A Favorable Investment Climate
Hon. Tayali highlighted Zambia’s investor-friendly environment, pointing to:
✅ Peace and stability
✅ Attractive tax incentives
✅ A predictable business environment
✅ A skilled and affordable workforce
✅ World-class banking, legal, and insurance services
To further encourage investment, the government has introduced fiscal and non-fiscal incentives designed to drive economic growth.
A Major Step Toward Industrialization
The Lobito Corridor Project marks a significant milestone in Zambia’s industrialization and economic diversification efforts. With its strategic location, rich mineral resources, and investor-friendly policies, Zambia is well-positioned to become a major player in the global EV supply chain.
As infrastructure development progresses, the initiative is expected to:
🔹 Drive economic growth
🔹 Create jobs
🔹 Strengthen Zambia’s role in international trade and sustainable energy
With the Lobito Corridor Project, Zambia is laying the foundation for a future powered by clean energy and innovation. 🚀🔋🌍
