Lobito, the road of dreams... With these words, international reports describe a corridor that crosses the heart of the African continent, forming a huge project that may redraw the map of global economic influence, based in Zambia, and extending throughout the entire southern and central African region.

The Lobito Road is no longer just an infrastructure project, but has become a symbol of an escalating international struggle over strategic resources, led by the United States in the face of entrenched Chinese influence.

Lobito, the metal route to the west

The Lobito route stretches from Angola’s Atlantic coast to the copper and cobalt belts of Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, via an integrated network of railways and ports.

It is the shortest route for exporting African minerals to Europe and America, a strategic alternative to the traditional eastern routes, and a cornerstone for linking production areas to global ports.

US funding for the Lobito route

Reports indicate that America is leading the project's financing through the US International Development Finance Corporation and has injected hundreds of millions of dollars, as part of a financing package exceeding several billion dollars in partnership with Europe and international institutions, within the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment initiative launched by the G7 countries to compete with China's Belt and Road Initiative.

Zambia is a focal point in this project as it possesses one of the world's largest copper reserves, is geographically located in the heart of the corridor between Angola and Congo, and seeks to diversify export outlets and reduce dependence on the East.

Its economy presents an opportunity to significantly reduce transportation costs, attract new mining investments, and strengthen its position as a regional logistics hub.

The Lobito route is intended to serve the transport of several minerals, most notably copper and cobalt, which demonstrates the strategic dimension, as major powers compete to secure these resources within the race to transition to clean energy.

Lobito, the road of dreams... With these words, international reports describe a corridor that crosses the heart of the African continent, forming a huge project that may redraw the map of global economic influence, based in Zambia, and extending throughout the entire southern and central African region.

The Lobito Road is no longer just an infrastructure project, but has become a symbol of an escalating international struggle over strategic resources, led by the United States in the face of entrenched Chinese influence.

Lobito Passage: The Metal Route to the West

The Lobito route stretches from Angola’s Atlantic coast to the copper and cobalt belts of Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, via an integrated network of railways and ports.

The shortest route for exporting African minerals to Europe and America is a strategic alternative to traditional eastern routes, as well as a cornerstone for linking production areas to global ports.

US funding for the Lobito route

Reports indicate that America is leading the project's financing through the US International Development Finance Corporation and has injected hundreds of millions of dollars, as part of a financing package exceeding several billion dollars in partnership with Europe and international institutions, within the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment initiative launched by the G7 countries to compete with China's Belt and Road Initiative.

Zambia is a focal point in this project as it possesses one of the world's largest copper reserves, is geographically located in the heart of the corridor between Angola and Congo, and seeks to diversify export outlets and reduce dependence on the East.

Its economy presents an opportunity to significantly reduce transportation costs, attract new mining investments, and strengthen its position as a regional logistics hub.

The Lobito route is intended to serve the transport of several minerals, most notably copper and cobalt, which demonstrates the strategic dimension, as major powers compete to secure these resources within the race to transition to clean energy.