Zambia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, Hon. Frank Tayali, has emphasized the significance of the Lobito Corridor Project in driving Zambia’s economic transformation, particularly in positioning the country as a hub for electric vehicle (EV) battery production and assembly. Speaking as a panelist at the Lobito Corridor Stakeholder Discussion during the recent Mining Indaba in South Africa, Hon. Tayali reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maximizing the project’s benefits through regulatory reforms in the EV industry.
The Lobito Corridor is a strategic trade route linking Angola’s port city of Lobito to the mineral-rich regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia’s Copperbelt Province. This corridor is expected to enhance the efficiency of transporting goods and services across the region. The abundance of critical minerals in these areas, vital for the global energy transition, positions the Lobito Corridor as a key trade facilitator between Africa, the Americas, and Europe.
Hon. Tayali highlighted that the initiative is expected to attract large-scale mining investments, driving economic growth and regional integration. He underscored that the corridor will generate employment opportunities for local communities and contribute significantly to poverty alleviation. Furthermore, the corridor’s development aligns with Zambia’s broader vision of transforming into a regional transport and logistics hub.
A crucial milestone in this endeavor is the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Zambia and the DRC. This agreement aims to leverage the two countries’ rich deposits of critical minerals for the EV industry, paving the way for Africa’s largest EV battery industry. To facilitate this, Zambia has established an Industrial Park in the Copperbelt region dedicated to EV battery production and motor vehicle assembly.
Hon. Tayali emphasized that the Zambia Lobito Rail Development Project is a timely investment that will significantly improve the country’s connectivity with Western markets. Once completed, this Greenfield railway project will offer a faster and more efficient transport link to the port of Lobito, enhancing trade access for imports and exports. He further noted that Zambia presents a favorable investment climate for Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs), supported by its peace and stability, tax-friendly policies, and a predictable business environment. These factors make Zambia an attractive destination for investors seeking opportunities in the transport, logistics, and EV industries.
The Minister also emphasized Zambia’s abundant natural resources, which include water, minerals, and a large landmass. Together with a workforce that is professional, knowledgeable, and reasonably priced, the nation offers the perfect setting for company expansion. Zambia’s attractiveness to investors is further increased by its cutting-edge banking, legal, and insurance services that satisfy worldwide standards. In order to promote investment and guarantee sustainable economic growth, the government has also implemented alluring fiscal and non-fiscal incentives.
The Lobito Corridor Project is a significant step forward in Zambia’s industrialization and economic diversification agenda. Because of its strategic location and abundance of mineral resources, the country is well-positioned to contribute significantly to the global EV supply chain. With government support, legal changes, and ongoing infrastructure development, the initiative is anticipated to establish Zambia as a major hub for sustainable energy, transportation, and logistics in Africa. As the project gains momentum, it should promote economic growth, create jobs, and strengthen Zambia’s position as a significant player in international trade.
