Media Wire Express Correspondent
Tanzania took an active role in the Mattei Plan for Africa and the EU Global Gateway conference, held on March 27, 2025, in Rome, Italy.
The conference, centered on boosting infrastructure development across Africa, focused on a major railway project connecting the Atlantic and Indian Oceans through the Lobito to Dar Corridor.
During the meeting, Tanzania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Hon. Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, proposed renaming the Lobito Corridor to the Lobito – Dar Corridor. His suggestion highlights the railway’s potential to link Angola on the Atlantic Ocean to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on the Indian Ocean, further solidifying Tanzania’s key role in regional connectivity.
The Lobito Corridor, which stretches across Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Zambia, is a critical piece of Africa’s railway network. As part of the Mattei Plan, the initiative aims to improve infrastructure and promote trade across the continent, with the TAZARA Railway serving as an essential connection for Southern and East Africa.
Minister Kombo praised Italy for initiating the plan, stressing the numerous opportunities it brings to sectors like trade, agriculture, mining, and technology. He also highlighted Tanzania’s fertile lands, especially in coffee farming, as a prime investment area for Italian businesses. By attracting foreign investment, Tanzania hopes to address challenges faced by the continent, such as youth unemployment and illegal immigration, which often stem from limited job opportunities.
In his address, Zambia’s Minister of Transport, Hon. Frank Tayali, shared his country’s vision of transitioning from a landlocked to a land-linked nation.
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He emphasized the role of the Lobito Corridor and TAZARA Railway in connecting Zambia to its eight neighboring countries, which is essential for regional cooperation and trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The conference also brought together key figures from Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the United States, and the African Development Bank. Their presence underscores the collective effort to foster infrastructure development, which is crucial for economic integration and sustainable growth across Africa.
The Mattei Plan reflects a broader commitment to improving Africa’s infrastructure and connectivity, and Tanzania’s participation highlights the country’s leadership in these initiatives. As the Lobito – Dar Corridor project moves forward, it promises to create new opportunities for trade, investment, and prosperity for all countries along the route.
This collaboration is a crucial step toward building a more interconnected and economically thriving Africa, with Tanzania playing a key role in shaping the continent’s future.
