United States, Providing strategic transportation of minerals from Africa's copper belt to Western markets Lobito Railway Corridormaintains its financial commitment to. President Donald Trump Despite aggressive spending cuts, US Ambassador to Angola James Story, during his visit to the region, this support won't change He stressed.
US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), when it was founded in 2019 Lobito had committed $550 million in loans for the Rail Corridor.
The railway project is critical to countering China's dominance of cobalt and copper in the region..
Ambassador Story categorically denied speculation that the US would withdraw from the project.
Strategic Importance of Lobito Railway Corridor
Lobito Railway Corridor, Connecting Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia an important trade route is seen as. USA and European countries, China's influence in the region reduce supports the project for.
Angolan government, in 2022 Trafigura, Mota-Engil and Vecturis S.A. Led by Lobito Atlantic Railway consortium Gave a 30-year privilege.
First stage, Renewing 1.300 km of existing railway lines in Angola To be extended to the mining hub of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
second stage, Expansion into Zambia with his works aims to integrate regional mining operations into global supply chains.
CEO of Lobito Atlantic Railways Francisco Franca, DFC financing agreements nearing completion ve Contract signings will be completed within two to three months. stated.
The Influence of the US and Europe in Africa
USA, Securing critical minerals in Africa and counterbalancing China's commercial influence wants. Rosário Bento, EU Ambassador to Angola, Emphasizing the US economic interests in the region Washington will not withdraw from the project stated:
"The US receives shipments of raw materials through the Lobito corridor. I don't expect it to give up something that directly benefits its interests."
The US's continued support is critical to geopolitical balances.
The Lobito Rail Corridor is one of Africa's most important infrastructure projects, both in terms of trade and security of strategic minerals continues to happen.
