Zambian President Seeks to Strengthen Commercial Cooperation with Angola

Zambian President Seeks to Strengthen Commercial Cooperation with Angola

Zambian President, Hakainde Hichilema, has expressed his commitment to enhancing cooperation in the commercial sector between Angola and Zambia during his visit to Accra, the capital of Ghana.

Speaking at a courtesy meeting with the Angolan ambassador to Ghana, Hichilema emphasized the importance of strengthening economic ties between the two countries. He also expressed his satisfaction with the inauguration of the Lobito Corridor, acknowledging its significant benefits for both nations.

President Hichilema reiterated the mutual interest in bolstering commercial cooperation between Angola and Zambia. This reaffirmation underscores the longstanding bilateral relations that have existed between the two countries for over 40 years. The commitment to fostering economic collaboration reflects the shared vision of driving economic growth and creating trade opportunities for the benefit of both nations.

Appreciation for the Lobito Corridor

President Hichilema also used the occasion to express his pleasure and appreciation for the recent inauguration of the Lobito Train Corridor, recognizing its immense value to Angola and Zambia. The Lobito Corridor, which includes strategic infrastructure such as the Port of Lobito, the Mineiro Terminal, Catumbela Airport, and the Benguela Railway (CFB), is a significant regional development project. Its completion opens up new avenues for trade, transportation, and economic integration within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

Note that the Lobito Corridor is expected to play a vital role in regional development, particularly in promoting economic growth and facilitating trade between Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Zambia. The corridor’s geographical span, extending from the Port of Lobito on the Atlantic coast through several provinces in Angola, connects mining areas in Katanga province (DRC) and the Copperbelt region (Zambia). This strategic connectivity provides the shortest trade route for mineral-rich regions in the DRC and Zambia, enhancing trade opportunities and regional integration.

Strengthening Cross-Border Connectivity

Recognizing the significance of cross-border connectivity, Angola and Zambia have been actively working to strengthen bilateral cooperation. In January 2023, the two countries signed six legal instruments, focusing on infrastructure development, including the construction of border connections between Jimbe (Angola) and Mwinulunga/Mapelenga/Sikongo (Zambia). These border connections aim to facilitate the movement of people and goods between the two nations, further enhancing trade and economic cooperation.