CHOMBA MUSIKA Lusaka PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has called for enhanced collaboration among Zambia, Angola and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as well as stronger partnerships with the private sector, to accelerate implementation of Lobito Corridor Project. Mr Hichilema…

CHOMBA MUSIKA

Lusaka

PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has called for enhanced collaboration among Zambia, Angola and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as well as stronger partnerships with the private sector, to accelerate implementation of Lobito Corridor Project.

Mr Hichilema said the project requires increased investment and effective co-ordination to ensure that it delivers tangible economic benefits for citizens.

He was speaking yesterday when he officially opened the Second Lobito Corridor Coordination Meeting involving Zambia, Angola and DRC.

The two-day meeting brought together government representatives, development partners and private-sector stakeholders to accelerate the co-ordinated implementation of the regional trade and investment corridor.

President Hichilema said the three countries need to deepen their co-operation, while development partners and businesses should work together to translate commitments into tangible projects.

“The three countries must co-operate more. We want to see co-operating partners work together,” he said.

The President stressed the need for swift implementation of agreed targets, saying discussions and presentations would have little value if there was no coordination to translate them into action.

He welcomed support from World Bank towards Zambia, Angola and DRC, saying Lobito Corridor is important to the continent’s ambitions of increasing intra-African trade and investment under African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Mr Hichilema said Africa remains one of the regions that trade and invest least within itself and that corridors such as Lobito are important building blocks for reducing fragmentation and strengthening regional economic integration.

He called for deliberate joint ventures involving investors and businesses from the three countries, as well as international partners.

The President also linked the corridor to Zambia’s efforts to create opportunities for young people, saying economic opportunities are important to supporting peace, security and stability across the continent.

He said Lobito Corridor is, therefore, central to Grow Zambia Agenda because of its potential to support economic activity, increase investment and facilitate the movement of goods and services.

Mr Hichilema further called for improved road networks along the corridor, particularly the Luacano-Chingola section, which he said should not be left behind. https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home