US calls for progress on Zambia-Lobito rail-line

By Ruth Chayinda

United States President JOE BIDEN’s Senior Advisor AMOS HOCHSTEIN has called for an accelerated path towards achieving a bankable concession agreement for the new Zambia-Lobito rail line.

Mr. HOCHSTEIN says this must be aligned with host country laws, and coordinate additional investment projects that complement and benefit from the core transportation investment.

He says the project will also come along with infrastructure investments in digital access, clean energy and energy supply chains, agribusiness and health.

Mr. HOCHSTEIN has also expressed optimism that the construction of Lobito corridor will start in 2026.

He says the rail network which will connect Angola, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo –DRC- is expected to be operational by 2028.

Mr. HOCHSTEIN says through collective private sector and government support, the rail network will demonstrate that targeted public investment that can deliver timely and effective private-sector led strategic infrastructure projects.

Mr. HOCHSTEIN who was among the 500 delegates at the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment Lobito Corridor Private Sector Investor Forum has also thanked President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA for gracing the event where he called the Lobito Corridor initiative a “once in a lifetime” opportunity for Zambia and the region.

This is contained in a joint statement released to ZNBC News by Mr. HOCHSTEIN, Finance Minister SITUMBEKO MUSOKOTWANE and Africa Finance Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer SAMAILA ZUBAIRU.

And, Mr. ZUBAIRU said remarkable progress has been made on the Lobito corridor development adding that the feasibility study is expected to be launched this month.

The post US calls for progress on Zambia-Lobito rail-line appeared first on .