Arlington, VA – Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency announced that it has awarded a technical assistance grant to the Africa Finance Corporation for an environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) on a 485-mile rail line that will link Angola and Zambia. This project will facilitate economic activity, trade, and critical minerals development between the Port of Lobito in Angola and Zambia’s resource-rich Copperbelt region. USTDA Director Enoh T. Ebong made the announcement at a signing ceremony during the UN General Assembly in New York City.
“This project will help reshape the economic landscape of Angola, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and it will foster trade while uplifting the people whose livelihoods will be tied to economic activity along the corridor,” said Director Ebong. “USTDA’s partnership with the Africa Finance Corporation will help mobilize financing and ensure the highest project development standards for the rail line. U.S. companies are well positioned to provide innovative solutions and expertise to this project.”
This USTDA-funded ESIA will provide essential analysis and recommendations for the railway project, such as air and water quality assessments, natural disaster and climate risk assessments, and strategies to mitigate the impacts of developing the new rail line. Support for the rail line will contribute to the development of the Lobito Corridor, a U.S. government priority under the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI) that seeks to provide a private sector-driven, sustainable and transparent option for emerging markets seeking infrastructure investment to accelerate inclusive economic development.
“Once completed, the Zambia Lobito Rail Corridor will establish a trans-continental trade corridor which will facilitate trade and investment across Africa and in various sectors including mining, agriculture, energy and tourism,” said Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO of Africa Finance Corporation. “We are therefore pleased to receive this project preparation grant from USTDA to advance the ESIA for the project, underscoring the significance of investing in enabling infrastructure in Africa to secure trade routes and enable critical minerals supply for the global energy transition.”
U.S. businesses interested in submitting proposals for the USTDA-funded ESIA should visit www.ustda.gov/work/bid-on-an-overseas-project.
In addition to supporting PGI, this technical assistance supports priorities including the U.S. Strategy Toward Sub-Saharan Africa and the Prosper Africa initiative.
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The U.S. Trade and Development Agency helps companies create U.S. jobs through the export of U.S. goods and services for priority infrastructure projects in emerging economies. USTDA links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project preparation and partnership building activities that develop sustainable infrastructure and foster economic growth in partner countries.
MEDIA INQUIRIES: Paul Marin | press@ustda.gov