The United States government and the European Commission have jointly reiterated their commitment to fostering peace, security, and economic growth in Africa's Great Lakes region. In a statement released by both parties, they emphasized the importance of economic development as a key factor for long-term stability in the area.
A central element of this collaboration is the Lobito Corridor project. This infrastructure initiative aims to connect the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) with Angola’s Atlantic Ocean port of Lobito. The corridor is expected to improve regional connectivity, strengthen critical mineral supply chains, and encourage sustainable economic growth by opening new trade routes between Central Africa and markets in the United States and Europe.
According to the statement: "The Government of the United States and the European Commission reaffirm our shared commitment to promoting peace, security, and economic growth in the Great Lakes region of Africa. Together, we are focused on creating the conditions necessary for increased U.S. and EU investment across the region, recognizing that economic development is a cornerstone of long-term stability. Central to this effort is the Lobito Corridor, a transformative infrastructure project that will enhance regional connectivity, secure critical mineral supply chains, and drive sustainable economic growth. By linking the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to the Atlantic Ocean port of Lobito in Angola, the Lobito Corridor will open new avenues for two-way trade between Central Africa and the United States and Europe."
Both governments noted ongoing cooperation with private sector stakeholders and African partners aimed at rehabilitating and modernizing sections of the corridor. They also acknowledged recent discussions between private sector entities and DRC officials regarding investments specific to DRC’s portion of the corridor.
"The Government of the United States and the European Commission are working closely with private sector leaders and African partners to rehabilitate and modernize the Lobito Corridor, ensuring its success as a catalyst for regional development. In this spirit, we take note of recent private sector discussions with the Government of the DRC regarding investment proposals for the DRC portion of the Lobito Corridor. The Government of the United States and the European Commission stand ready to discuss possible ways to finance proposals that would ensure synchronicity with ongoing rehabilitation on Angolan side of Corridor to maximize efficiency and success of project. We declare our intention to remain fully aligned and coordinated to support Corridor’s success which will secure more transparent supply chains and sustained investment from region," said both parties.
The joint declaration signals an ongoing effort by U.S., EU, local governments, and business partners toward advancing infrastructure projects designed to increase trade opportunities while improving transparency in supply chains within Africa's Great Lakes region.
