Lusaka to Host High-Level Lobito Corridor Talks

Lusaka will host a high-level meeting on the Lobito Corridor next week, as Zambia and its neighbours push to speed up development of one of Africa's most important trade routes.

The Lobito Corridor Engine Room Meeting, convened by the World Bank Group in partnership with the Zambian Government, will run from 5 to 6 October 2026. It will bring together senior representatives from Zambia, Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

President Hakainde Hichilema is expected to open the meeting. World Bank Managing Director of Operations Anna Bjerde will also attend.

The corridor links the three countries to global markets through Angola's Atlantic port of Lobito. Talks will focus on strengthening regional coordination and developing the route as a single, integrated economic corridor.

According to the World Bank, the discussions will centre on practical steps to turn the corridor's potential into real gains: more investment, more trade and more jobs for businesses and communities along the route.

Attracting private capital is a key part of that effort. The World Bank says it is working to reduce investment risks, improve the business environment and support projects that are ready for financing.

Its support includes financing, guarantees and advisory services. Among them is a recent guarantee from the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), a World Bank Group institution, backing investment in the Lobito Atlantic Railway.

The World Bank says these measures are designed to draw in private investment, support economic growth and create jobs across the region.