The initiative “is part of the European strategy to support inclusive and sustainable economic diversification, with a strong focus on creating jobs for young people, promoting private investment and strengthening local governance”, according to an EU statement.
The Lobito Corridor, a railway that runs through Angola from the Port of Lobito to the Democratic Republic of Congo, is a “flagship project of the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy”, which represents the EU’s commitment to reducing investment gaps worldwide and promoting sustainable connections in the energy, transport and digital sectors.
During the visit, the European diplomats will take part in a train journey between Huambo and Bié, symbolising the central axis of this strategic railway corridor for Angola, the European Union and the United States.
During the visit, the ambassadors will visit EU-supported projects in the areas of child protection and agricultural marketing, and will hold meetings with the governors and provincial governments of the two provinces, as well as consultation sessions with representatives of civil society, the private sector and universities.
The visit will also include projects funded by EU Member States, including the Centre for Bioveterinary and Vaccine Production (a partnership between Germany and Portugal), the Kwanza International University (supported by Spain) and the Orange Corners entrepreneurship initiative, promoted by the Netherlands.
"The visit aims to consolidate dialogue with local authorities and other development actors, promoting a collaborative approach aligned with national and local priorities", highlights the EU delegation in Angola, underlining the structuring role of the Lobito Corridor as a flagship project for its presence in the country.
The Lobito Corridor is one of the most visible projects of the Global Gateway, an initiative with which the EU aims to counterbalance the growing influence of other global powers through investments in sustainable infrastructure, focused on the energy, transport and digital sectors.
This rail route is seen as the most viable and safe alternative for the transport of mineral and agricultural resources from Southern Africa.
