Kinshasa, May 27th, 2025 (CPA).– The progress of the Lobito Corridor project, a strategic infrastructure for regional integration and economic development, was the focus of discussions on Monday in Kinshasa between the Democratic Republic of Congo, the United States of America and the European Union, according to a press release received by CPA on Tuesday. ‘The Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Transport, Jean-Pierre Bemba, received the European Union Ambassador to the DRC, Nicolas Berlanga Martinez, and the United States Ambassador, Lucy Tamlyn, in Kinshasa on Monday, May 26th. At the heart of the discussions: the progress of the Lobito Corridor project, a strategic infrastructure for regional integration and the economic development of the DRC’, reads a press release from the Ministry in charge of Transport.
According to the statement, the two diplomats welcomed the progress made and expressed the renewed support of the European Union and the United States government for this major initiative, which aims to link the Atlantic Ocean to the interior of the continent via a modernized rail transport network.
‘The progress is tangible. In a project of this scale, the time factor has to be put into perspective. The purpose of our joint presence is to reaffirm our commitment alongside the Congolese government’, said Nicolas Berlanga Martinez, who also emphasized the importance of guaranteeing a stable financing framework, referring to ongoing discussions between the authorities and international financial institutions, before specifying that a further meeting on this subject is scheduled for June 17th.
Lastly, Nicolas Berlanga Martinez emphasized the strategic importance of the corridor, which he said was not just about transporting minerals, but also encompassing agriculture, energy, infrastructure and connectivity: ‘This project also encompasses agriculture, energy, infrastructure and connectivity. It represents a unique opportunity for the integrated development of the region. The Lobito Corridor is part of an international cooperation initiative aimed at strengthening regional economic integration, stimulating private investment and creating sustainable jobs throughout Central Africa”.