Lobito Corridor Transforms Africa's Mineral Export Landscape
- In August 2023, the Lobito Corridor facilitated the first copper shipment from the DRC to the US.
- The corridor intends to connect Africa’s mineral regions to the port of Lobito, enhancing export efficiency.
- The project is essential for economic growth in the DRC and Zambia but faces criticism for its limited local benefits.
In late August 2023, a container vessel departed from Angola's Port of Lobito, marking the first shipment of copper from the Democratic Republic of Congo to the United States via the Lobito Corridor. This rail initiative, backed by the US and Europe, connects Africa's mineral-rich interior to the west coast for more efficient export. The journey from Kolwezi in the DRC took six days, significantly reducing travel time compared to road transport. Lobito Atlantic Railway is investing $250 million in infrastructure improvements, while the project is part of a larger strategy to enhance global infrastructure and challenge China's dominance in African mineral access. Furthermore, the corridor is seen as crucial for economic development in the DRC and Zambia, providing port access for increased efficiency and potential growth. However, critics argue that the focus on raw material exportation may not bring substantial benefits to local populations, where poverty and unemployment are prevalent.