On 3 April, a delegation composed of diplomats from the G7, EU and UN countries visited the infrastructures that are emerging along the railway line, including the Carrinho Industrial Complex (CIC) and the Agricultural Development Programme.
The trip to the center-south of Angola was part of a three-day agenda dedicated to assessing the potential of the Lobito Corridor and its transformative impact on the region and the community around it. At the CIC, the delegation had the opportunity to monitor the progress of the sugar refinery works, one of the largest industrial initiatives underway in the country, as well as to interact with family sector producers assigned to the Carrinho Agri Agricultural Development Program, in Vale do Cavaco.
The diplomatic mission included the representative of the European Union in Angola, Rosário Bento Pais, the chargé d’affaires of the US Embassy, James Story, the ambassador of South Korea and 17 European ambassadors accredited to Angola, including the ambassador of Germany, Stefan Traumann.
Speaking during the visit, Stefan Traumann highlighted Germany’s strategic interest in the Lobito Corridor and the intention to financially support the project. “We have Deutsche Bank, BFA and the German government’s credit guarantee. This is a special partnership between the German private sector and an Angolan private company, with high potential for success,” he said.
The German diplomat also stressed that the project led by the Carrinho Group represents a concrete example of the type of collaboration that Germany wants to foster in Angola, expressing confidence in the multiplication of similar initiatives.
During the visit, the delegation reiterated the joint commitment to continue investing in the Lobito Corridor, considering it a promising route for the economic and social dynamism of the communities covered by the infrastructure.
Faced with speculation about a possible retreat by the United States in support of the corridor, motivated by the transition in American leadership, James Story made a point of ensuring the continuity of American involvement: “In fact, there are many people – I don’t know who they are – saying that the United States is moving away from this project, which is not true. We are here to show that we are committed to this project. We will continue to work with our partners, especially the Government of Angola and the Angolan people, but also with other countries.”
“In fact, there are many people – I don’t know who they are – saying that the United States is moving away from this project, which is not true. We are here to show that we are committed to this project. We will continue to work with our partners, especially the Government of Angola and the Angolan people, but also with other countries.” – James Story, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy
About the Lobito Corridor:
With 1300 kilometers in length, the Lobito Corridor represents an infrastructure of geostrategic value for the USA and the European Union, as it connects the Atlantic to trade routes with Europe and the Americas. The project has already attracted significant international financial commitments, including $550 million from the Development Finance Corporation (U.S.) and $200 million from the Development Bank of Southern Africa, which are expected to accelerate its implementation and regional impact.
