HUAMBO: The central Huambo province will host on February 21 the Forum of Opportunities and Investments along the Lobito Corridor. This is an initiative of the Angolan Private Investment and Export Promotion Agency (AIPEX), in collaboration with the Government of Huambo and the Ministries of Transport, Industry and Trade, Agriculture and Forestry, and Public Works, Urban Planning and Housing. The event aims to showcase the region’s economic potential, attract private investment, and promote sustainable growth along the Lobito Corridor.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the forum will focus on the agricultural and industrial potential of Huambo Province, which is seen as a driver for diversifying the Angolan economy. The discussions will include topics such as “Opportunities along the Lobito Corridor” and “Facilities and Financing,” emphasizing the importance of the corridor in economic diversification.
The Lobito Corridor, stretching approximately 1,344 kilometers, plays a significant role in connecting the Atlantic coast from the city of Lobito to the border city of Luau in the eastern part of Angola, traversing five provinces: Benguela, Huambo, Bi©, Moxico, and Moxico-Leste. This corridor is a vital axis for the circulation of goods, impacting the entire Southern African Development Community (SADC), and is a strategic route for national economic diversification.
The corridor’s influence extends beyond national borders, providing a critical link between the Atlantic and Indian oceans. It serves as a shorter route to export markets for countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia, facilitating access to the major mining regions near the Indian Ocean. The agricultural development along the corridor is substantial, involving value chains in cereals, tubers, beans, vegetables, and fruits.
In Huambo Province, mineral extraction and agriculture dominate, accounting for 76 percent of economic activity. The province is well-connected with six national roads, in addition to the Lobito Corridor, enhancing the mobility of vehicles, goods, and people. These roads serve various markets, including Benguela, Bi©, Cubango, Cuando, Cuanza-Sul, Hula, Luanda, and Malanje.
Situated in Angola’s central highlands, Huambo hosts an estimated population of 2.3 million across municipalities such as Alto-Hama, Bailundo, and Ca¡la, among others. The upcoming forum is expected to be a pivotal event for the region, potentially unlocking new investment opportunities and fostering economic growth.