A significant development emerged for Zambia’s infrastructure plans with Italy’s commitment to support the Lobito Corridor project. During a meeting with Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, Stefano Gatti, Director General for Development at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Cooperation, announced Italy’s pledge of €320 million for the project.
The Lobito Corridor is a key infrastructure initiative aimed at improving trade connectivity between Zambia, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The project involves upgrading and expanding the existing rail corridor, linking Zambia’s copper and cobalt-rich areas to the Angolan port city of Lobito. This enhanced route is expected to streamline the transportation of these critical minerals, vital for global industries.
Gatti emphasized Italy’s focus on sustainable development while supporting the project. He highlighted their desire to collaborate with Zambia to ensure the corridor’s development fosters economic growth while adhering to environmental best practices. This focus on sustainability aligns with Zambia’s own goals and reflects a growing global trend towards responsible infrastructure development.
Italy’s commitment to Zambia extends beyond the Lobito Corridor project. Gatti announced Italy’s broader development strategy in Africa, which includes expanding their cooperation to 23 priority countries, with Zambia being one of them. This increased focus on African development is underscored by Italy’s substantial climate fund of €4.4 billion, dedicated to supporting climate-related initiatives in Zambia. Additionally, immediate support of €500,000 has already been mobilized to assist Zambia’s ongoing drought response efforts.
President Hichilema welcomed Italy’s multifaceted support. He acknowledged the Lobito Corridor’s strategic importance for regional economic development, highlighting its potential to enhance trade connectivity and boost growth across the involved nations. He further recognized the ongoing collaborative projects between Italy and Zambia in various sectors like engineering, energy, agriculture, and water management. These ongoing initiatives solidify the long-standing partnership between the two nations.
President Hichilema expressed appreciation for Italy’s commitment to Africa’s development, particularly through initiatives like the “Mattei Plan” for Africa. He proposed further strengthening bilateral relations by establishing a structured action plan. This plan, envisioned by President Hichilema, would incorporate clear progress tracking mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability in project execution. Implementing such a structured approach would optimize project management and maximize the impact of Italian support across various sectors in Zambia.
The €320 million pledge from Italy signifies a significant boost for the Lobito Corridor project. This development, coupled with Italy’s broader commitment to Zambia’s development goals, presents a promising opportunity for the nation. With a focus on sustainable practices and a structured approach to project management, Zambia and Italy have the potential to foster a successful partnership that benefits both nations and the wider region.
