The Lobito Corridor in Angola presents a unique and transformative opportunity to position the nation as a key logistics hub in Southern Africa. Originally established as the Benguela Railway, this corridor links the mineral-rich regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia directly to the Atlantic port of Lobito. Historically a major trade route, it suffered significant disruption during the conflicts between 1975 and 2002, but has recently undergone major revitalization. The total budget for the corridor’s rehabilitation is approximately $6 billion, supported by a coalition of international partners.
Strategically, the Lobito Corridor offers major business opportunities, particularly in logistics and mineral exports. The region it serves — the Copperbelt of the DRC and Zambia — is recognized globally for its leadership in the production of copper and cobalt, critical minerals essential for electric vehicle batteries and technological infrastructure worldwide.
From Angola’s perspective, the Lobito Corridor aligns closely with the country’s broader economic diversification strategy, outlined in “Angola Vision 2025.” Having long depended on oil revenues, Angola’s shift toward strengthening logistics infrastructure represents a decisive move to reduce vulnerability to global oil market fluctuations. This shift also creates opportunities for international shipping and logistics companies, such as MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, to expand their presence and contribute to the corridor’s development.
The Lobito Corridor has a total budget of around $6 billion and connects the copper- and cobalt-rich regions of the DRC and Zambia to the Atlantic, positioning Angola as a key logistics hub in Southern Africa.
At MSC, we recognize the transformative potential of the Lobito Corridor in strengthening Angola’s logistics sector. As a committed logistics partner, we facilitate the efficient export of key minerals and the import of essential goods, including industrial equipment and food products. Since 2007, we have connected Angola to global markets through the ports of Luanda, Lobito, and Namibia.
Although exact figures vary, the Port of Luanda remains Angola’s main hub for containers and general cargo, handling a significant share of the nation’s maritime traffic. Meanwhile, the Port of Lobito is rapidly gaining strategic importance, particularly in the export of goods such as granite, gypsum board, and copper — the latter mostly originating from the DRC. With the Lobito Corridor’s development, Lobito is increasingly positioning itself as a key gateway for regional trade, especially for landlocked Central African countries seeking efficient access to global markets.
The corridor also provides a crucial Atlantic alternative for routing copper and cobalt exports, allowing faster access to key markets in the European Union, Latin America, and the United States. Beyond shipping, MSC offers value-added services, including cargo consolidation, loading and unloading, packaging, and cross-docking between containers and trucks.
Partnerships between global logistics leaders like MSC and local Angolan organizations are vital to achieving these ambitious goals. Since taking over operational responsibilities in Lobito in March 2024, MSC has led critical infrastructure upgrades and introduced more reliable transport schedules. These initiatives, together with targeted training programs and capacity-building partnerships with local stakeholders, are already transforming the region’s logistics landscape.
The project is expected to boost Angola’s GDP by at least 2% annually over the next decade and increase regional trade by up to 40%, creating around 30,000 direct and indirect jobs.
According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Angola’s GDP grew by 3.8% in 2024, exceeding previous forecasts, and recovery has extended to the non-oil sector. The World Bank estimates that the economic output generated by the Lobito Corridor could boost Angola’s GDP by at least 2% per year over the next decade and increase regional trade volumes by up to 40%, positioning Angola as a vital economic artery for landlocked Central African nations.
Despite recent shifts in U.S. foreign policy and a broader decline in African investment under the current administration, the United States has reiterated its commitment to the Lobito Corridor. As stated by James Story, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires in Angola, the U.S. remains eager to collaborate on this project due to its strategic importance for global supply chains, particularly in securing access to critical minerals such as copper and cobalt.
The Angolan government is actively working toward its Vision 2050, leveraging the Lobito project to stimulate economic growth and promote regional integration, particularly with neighboring countries such as Zambia and the DRC. By fostering an attractive investment environment, the corridor is becoming increasingly competitive, encouraging both local enterprise and international collaboration. These initiatives not only benefit Angola but also significantly boost intra-African trade, reinforcing the corridor’s role as a catalyst for broader continental commerce.
The government is making significant, proactive efforts to unlock the full potential of the Lobito Corridor. Recognizing its strategic importance, it has been actively attracting and facilitating substantial additional investment in logistics infrastructure. Through collaboration with all stakeholders, the government is laying the groundwork to expand the existing railway network with new, vital connection lines. At the same time, urgent upgrades are being made to key road networks such as the National Road N100, which is essential to efficiently handle the increased transport volume. These strategic investments are complemented by the government’s commitment to enhancing the capacity and infrastructure of the Port of Lobito, ensuring it is well-equipped to manage future cargo growth and solidify its role as a regional economic gateway.
The Lobito Corridor aligns with the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), promoting regional integration and a unified African market of 1.4 billion people.
The economic impact of the Lobito Corridor is profound, with projections indicating substantial job creation in direct logistics roles and indirect sectors such as mining, agriculture, and renewable energy. The corridor could create 30,000 direct and indirect jobs and help reduce poverty in the DRC, according to a recent statement by President Félix Tshisekedi in Angola.
Investments in railway and road infrastructure will further streamline operations, significantly reducing logistical bottlenecks and enhancing regional connectivity. These developments will not only boost Angola’s national economy but also elevate its position in regional and global trade.
This transformative infrastructure project is closely aligned with the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which seeks to reduce trade barriers and increase intra-African commerce. AfCFTA projections suggest that intra-African exports could rise by 109%, creating a single market of over 1.4 billion people. By improving regional connectivity and facilitating export routes for landlocked countries like Zambia and the DRC, the Lobito Corridor supports AfCFTA’s vision of a more integrated and prosperous Africa. These forecasts underscore the corridor’s strategic importance, not only for Angola’s diversification efforts but also for regional trade facilitation, as envisioned by the AfCFTA.
The Lobito Corridor stands as a beacon of opportunity for Angola. By leveraging its strategic location, investing in robust infrastructure, and fostering strong public-private partnerships, Angola can move decisively toward sustainable economic diversification and regional leadership, firmly establishing itself as an indispensable hub in Southern Africa’s economic landscape.
