UK to Support Lobito Corridor with $500M Investment

Richard Benyon, UK Minister of State at #FCDO and DFAR, led a delegation to Angola to explore deepening relations between UK and Angola.

During a meeting with the Governor of Benguela Luis Nunes, Minister Benyon underscored that the UK is ready to invest USD 500 million into developing the #LobitoCorridor.

In addition, Minister Benyon took note of the challenging work undertaken by UK NGO, the Halo Trust, to carry out demining in Angola. So far, the Halo Trust has cleared innumerable mines planted during the 27 years of civil war.

Initially scheduled for completion in 2013, the sheer amount of work has caused the deadline to be shifted and the work is now expected to be completed by 2028. In the past, Princess Diana effected a memorable visit to raise awareness on the landmine issue.

As part of the visit, the UK delegation is visiting the seaport city of Lobito, which is the terminal node of the Lobito Corridor. The UK delegation was particularly keen to take cognizance of the port and rail capacity.

Francisco Franca, Charman of the Lobito Atlantic Railway, informed the UK delegation that the cargo level is projected to shoot up from 300k to 10M tonnes within the coming decade. With a view to invest in the infrastructure along the #LobitoCorridor, the delegation had a working session with the Port of Lobito, the Lobito Atlantic Railway and Africa Global Logistics company.

According to Minister Menyon, the UK has already earmarked USD 500 million to invest in the #LobitoCorridor. In the spirit of the friendly ties between the two countries, he is willing to facilitate the contact between British firms and Angolan partners based on the principle of mutual benefit.