EU Africa RISE Holds Validation Workshop on Strategic Corridors in SADC
From 17 to 18 April 2024, the European Union Africa RISE (Reform for Investment and Sustainable Economies) program held a Validation Workshop on #StrategicCorridors in Southern Africa. In line with the #EU’s Global Gateway Initiative (#GGI) and the AU’s #Agenda2063, #AfricaRISE supports the vision of the #AU by promoting #connectivity projects with transformational potential, spanning multiple countries.
It is worth recalling that the #EU and #US have already agreed to join hands to support the #LobitoCorridor. The #LobitoCorridor is perceived to be a response to the Tanzania-Zambia Rail (#TAZARA) by China in the race to access #CriticalMinerals crucial for the #EnergyTranstion.
Being held in South Africa, the key participants included mostly representatives from the #SADC, #EU and #AfricaRISE. Mr Garrido Ruiz, Deputy Head of EU Delegation in South Africa, Ms Mapolao Mokoeana, Director of Infrastructure at SADC, Mr Sergio Oliete, DG of Sustainable Transport and Urban Development at the European Commission and Ms Barbara Mommen, Trade and Transport Corridor Specialist at #AfricaRISE delivered keynote remarks during the opening session.
The #StrategicCorridors are central to realize economic integration and scaling up within each Regional Economic Communities (#REC) in the AU. For instance, the East-West Corridor from Maputo to Walvis Bay and the North-South Corridor from Lubumbashi to Durban are key to the development of the #SADC. At the continental level and as per #AfCFTA, these #EconomicCorridors are expected to unlock the full potential of intra-Africa trade.
On a related note, the EU #AfricaRISE also held a discussion around ‘Growing Copper Industry through Green Value Chains.’ Indeed, the North-South Corridor in SADC is seen as a major transportation backbone for the #CriticalMinerals from DR Congo and Zambia.
At the same time, the #EU is seeking to support smart, safe, sustainable mobility within Africa and between Africa and Europe. Hopefully, the economic activity generated by the #StrategicCorridors will create jobs locally and improve the quality of life.