Angola promises everlasting impression on infrastructure
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (PANA) – The African Union's newly-elected Chairman, Angola's President Joao Manuel Lourenco, has promised to leave a permanent mark on Africa's economic transformation through infrastructure projects and development.
“We will prioritise roads, railways, airports, power supplies and investment in all projects which improve the living conditions of our people,” the Angolan leader told the opening session of the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly of Heads and State and Government on Saturday.
In his acceptance speech upon ascending to the Chairmanship of the Union of 55 countries, President Lourenco said he would also lead Africa towards a common position on issues affecting the continent.
The Angolan leader said under the Angolan Presidency, a plan to enable the AU to launch major infrastructure projects implemented, establishing a permanent basis for continental projects.
Angola is at the centre of an international plan to launch the implementation of the Lobito Corridor, a private-sector project. The project aims to facilitate the transportation of some 450,000 tonnes of minerals from 2025, from the copper-rich mines within the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The Lobito Corridor is meant to link the mining sites to the Atlantic Ocean and the Lobito Minerals Port. Some US$500 million will be invested with the US putting in some US$250 million. The International Finance Corporation (IFC) will finance the acquisition of 1,500 wagons and 35 locomotives for the project.
The massive project includes Angola's investment in the development of the Lobito Mining Port; a mining terminal and Benguela Road; a 1,300 km highway to Luau, Angola; and a 400 km diversion into the DRC to Kolwezi mining region in the DRC.
President Lourenco said the project would also open up a new corridor to the Port in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The project would contribute to the promotion of continent trade and the interconnection of Africa.
The Angolan President said his country's leadership of the continental organ would be aligned to the AU's Agenda 2063, whose second strategic plan he plans to help actualise.
Angola would focus attention on continental integration, partnership and matters of peace and security.
-0- PANA AO/MA 15Feb2025
