Chief Mumena of Kalumbila District has called for the active inclusion of traditional leaders in the planning and execution of the Lobito Corridor project, emphasizing the importance of local engagement in national development initiatives. His remarks were made during the North-Western Chamber of Commerce and Industry Business and Investment Exposition, where he outlined the critical role traditional leaders play in safeguarding the land and resources essential for the corridor’s development.
As stewards of their communities, traditional leaders such as Chief Mumena argue that they must be well-informed about the scope and objectives of large-scale projects like the Lobito Corridor to ensure the protection of local interests. Chief Mumena stressed that the chiefs’ deep-rooted influence within their communities gives them a unique responsibility to guarantee that development is sustainable and beneficial at the grassroots level. His concerns about the insufficient communication on the project reflect a broader need for transparency and consultation with traditional authorities.
The Lobito Corridor, a vital infrastructure project aimed at linking Zambia’s Copperbelt with Angola’s Lobito Port through the Democratic Republic of Congo, promises to significantly boost trade and economic activity. However, as highlighted by Chief Mumena, the success of such large-scale ventures depends heavily on the involvement of traditional leaders who are familiar with the local challenges and needs, especially regarding the social and environmental impact on rural communities.
Commerce, Trade, and Industry Minister Chipoka Mulenga, represented at the event by Simmy Chapula, the Ministry’s Director of Coordination and Delivery, assured the traditional leaders that they would play a crucial role in the project’s implementation. Minister Mulenga emphasized that traditional authorities are key partners in Zambia’s national development agenda, and the government is committed to strengthening this partnership.
Echoing this sentiment, Nasson Bungo, the Head of the Economic Section at the Angolan Consulate, highlighted the significance of regional cooperation among Zambia, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo to maximize the economic potential of the Lobito Corridor. Bungo stressed that the success of the corridor relies on cross-border collaboration and the active involvement of local stakeholders to address challenges and ensure the efficient operation of this critical trade route.
The Lobito Corridor offers Zambia a shorter route to the Atlantic coast, which could reduce transport costs and enhance Zambia’s competitiveness in regional trade. However, as Chief Mumena emphasized, the local communities that will be directly affected by the project must be fully engaged to ensure the development is equitable, sustainable, and culturally sensitive.
Chief Mumena’s call for greater inclusion of traditional leaders reflects a growing recognition of their role in ensuring that national and regional development initiatives align with the needs and aspirations of the local population. With projects of such scale, it is clear that the successful integration of traditional leadership will be pivotal in navigating the complexities of development and achieving long-term benefits for all.
