Government and the European Union announce the EU–Zambia Lobito Corridor Business Forum

Lusaka, Zambia, 3 November 2025 — The Government of the Republic of Zambia, through its government agencies and in collaboration with the European Union Delegation to Zambia and COMESA, is pleased to announce the upcoming EU–Zambia Lobito Corridor Business Forum — a unique platform for promoting investment, trade and partnership opportunities between Zambian and European business and investment actors. The business forum is scheduled to take place from 12 to 14 November 2025 at Ciela Resort in Lusaka.

In addition to the participation of high-level representatives of the Governments of Zambia and the EU Member States, the European Union and various international financing institutions, over 300 European and Zambian businesses with potential to engage in investments related to development of the Lobito economic corridor have been selected to actively participate in the Forum. Targeted business-to-business and business-to-government sessions will give registered participants an opportunity to engage directly with investors and showcase Lobito-specific business and investment opportunities in the sectors of Agriculture, Energy and Mining. The Forum will identify how the private sector and financing institutions supported by the European Union and the Government can drive sustainable investment and reduce risks. 

The Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU) has been actively coordinating government efforts to prepare for the business forum in conjunction with key government ministries and agencies. The Head of the PDU, Kusobile Kamwambi, stated that the EU–Zambia Business Forum serves as a high-level platform to strengthen trade and investment ties between Zambia and the European Union. Ms. Kamwambi added: “the Forum will showcase Zambia’s growing renewable energy, mining, and agribusiness sectors, while promoting sustainable, inclusive and climate-smart investment models that align with Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards”.

The Forum aligns with the EU's strategic priorities in Zambia on economic diversification, strengthening trade and infrastructure, and fostering sustainable development through investments in transport, agriculture, and resource value chains. 

“This Forum will identify concrete investment and partnership opportunities along the corridor, by bringing together grants, loans, and private investment. What we aim for is to create lasting impact on the ground with new jobs and market engagements,” stated Karolina Stasiak, EU Ambassador to Zambia. EU supports the development of the Lobito economic corridor as a flagship initiative under the EU’s Global Gateway strategy.

For more information about the Forum and participating companies and outcomes please follow the EU-Zambia Lobito Forum website.

To extend access to information and opportunities beyond the Forum, the Government of Zambia is proud to announce the launch of a dedicated website  www.lobitocorridorzambia.com designed to help the private sector, youth, and women harness the opportunities offered by the Lobito Corridor.

Background: 

The Lobito Corridor is a transport and trade route that will connect Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zambia to regional and global markets. Supported by the EU under the Global Gateway, the Lobito Corridor will become Africa’s first open-access trans-continental rail line — a model for transparent, competitive, and sustainable trade. It will open a faster and more efficient export route for Zambia’s minerals, agricultural products, processed and manufactured goods, improving competitiveness and reducing logistics costs. The Lobito Corridor is a joint effort by the governments of Angola, Zambia, and the DRC, supported by the EU, the U.S., the African Development Bank and the Africa Finance Corporation. 

Contact information: 

Presidential Delivery Unit- PDU, Government of Zambia Communication & Outreach Euphrasia Mapulanga, Communication Specialist : Euphrasia.Mapulanga@pdu.gov.zm; +260 768622786

Press & Information Section, EU Delegation to Zambia & COMESA: DELEGATION-ZAMBIA-PRESS@eeas.europa.eu.

Press & Information Officer, EU Delegation to Zambia & COMESA: Ms Nchimunya Mweemba,  Nchimunya.MWEEMBA@eeas.europa.eu, +260 970007092