US Pledges Continued Support for Angola’s Lobito Corridor under Trump Administration

The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to the development of Angola's Lobito Corridor under the Trump administration, emphasizing the project's strategic importance in enhancing regional trade and countering global competitors.

In January 2025, Anthony Eterno, First Secretary at the U.S. Embassy in Angola, visited the Port of Lobito to underscore the sustained U.S. support for the corridor. Eterno highlighted that the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Angola remains robust, with ongoing projects expected to gain momentum under the current administration. He stated, "The relationship between the U.S. and Angola is quite sustainable. The projects underway will not only continue but are expected to gain momentum”

The Lobito Corridor, a significant infrastructure initiative, aims to connect the mineral-rich regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia to Angola's Atlantic port of Lobito. This corridor facilitates a more efficient export route for critical minerals such as copper and cobalt, which are essential for various industries, including electronics and renewable energy. The project is a collaborative effort involving global commodities trader Trafigura, Portuguese construction firm Mota-Engil, and Belgian railway operator Vecturis. In 2024, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) approved a $553 million loan to support the refurbishment and expansion of this 1,300-kilometer railway network.

However, recent policy shifts have introduced uncertainties. In February 2025, the Trump administration announced a freeze on foreign aid, leading to concerns about potential delays in the Lobito Corridor project. Officials and project promoters expressed apprehension that this funding suspension could impact the progress of the corridor, which is pivotal for transporting minerals from the DRC and Zambia to global markets.

Despite these challenges, the U.S. government's strategic interest in the Lobito Corridor remains evident. The project not only aims to bolster regional economic integration and development but also serves as a countermeasure to China's significant influence in Africa's infrastructure and mining sectors. By providing an alternative export route, the corridor seeks to diversify supply chains and reduce dependency on existing channels dominated by other global powers.

In summary, while the Trump administration has reaffirmed its support for Angola's Lobito Corridor, recent policy decisions have introduced complexities that may affect the project's trajectory. The situation underscores the delicate balance between strategic interests and policy implementations in advancing such critical infrastructure projects.

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