Minister of Finance and National Planning, Situmbeko Musokotwane, is leading Zambia’s delegation to a crucial high-level meeting on the Lobito Corridor project, scheduled for June 20, 2025, in Rome, Italy. The meeting brings together key stakeholders involved in one of Africa’s largest regional infrastructure initiatives.
According to an official statement released by the Zambian Embassy in Rome, Minister Musokotwane arrived in Italy to represent President Hakainde Hichilema at the gathering focused on the Mattei Plan and the European Union’s Global Gateway program—two major efforts aligning European and African development objectives.
The Lobito Corridor, a transnational infrastructure project linking Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, and Zambia, is a flagship initiative under both the Italian Government’s Mattei Plan and the EU’s Global Gateway. The project is also part of the G-7’s broader strategy to support infrastructure development across Africa.
During the meeting, Minister Musokotwane and his delegation are expected to engage in discussions with Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The talks will focus on advancing the implementation of the Lobito Corridor, which aims to enhance regional trade, transport, and economic integration.
The Zambian delegation was officially welcomed by Zambia’s Ambassador to Italy, Patricia Chisanga, who expressed appreciation for the government’s active participation in this important forum.
The high-level meeting also includes representatives from the governments of Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Tanzania, all key partners in the Lobito Corridor. In addition, the African Union (AU), international financial institutions such as the World Bank, and the Africa Finance Corporation are participating, highlighting the project’s broad regional and international significance.
This summit in Rome follows a technical ministerial meeting held in March 2025, where Zambia was represented by Minister of Transport and Logistics, Frank Tayali. The June meeting seeks to build on the progress made during that session and to mobilize further support for the corridor’s development.
The Lobito Corridor project is seen as a transformative infrastructure initiative with the potential to boost economic growth, improve logistics, and foster deeper connectivity across Southern and Central Africa. Zambia’s active role in these discussions underscores the country’s commitment to regional cooperation and sustainable development.