The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has pledged $1 million to Angola for establishing a specialized unit to replicate the successful Lobito Corridor model across strategic infrastructure projects, as announced on December 5.
According to a statement released in Luanda, the Angolan Ministry of Transport and USAID formalized this partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed the same day. The initiative is part of a broader strategic effort to bolster Angola’s transport and infrastructure sector, aligning with the country’s ambitions to enhance its role in regional and global economic development.
Central to the agreement is the establishment of a Project Management, Concessions, and Public-Private Partnerships Unit (UGPCP). This unit will oversee the identification, preparation, monitoring, and management of critical infrastructure projects. The United States will provide technical and financial support to develop the unit’s capacity, while Angola’s Ministry of Transport will contribute logistical and human resources for implementation.
Priority projects under this initiative include the Southern Corridor (Namibe Corridor) and the Caio Deep Water Terminal in Cabinda. Preparatory work is underway, with international tenders for these projects expected to be launched soon.
The agreement also outlines the training of 11 specialists for the UGPCP, the initiation of new concession projects, and the integration of innovative solutions aimed at positioning Angola as a continental leader in infrastructure development and public-private partnerships. The Lobito Corridor model, which has garnered significant interest from international investors, serves as a benchmark for these efforts.
The memorandum, with an initial duration of 24 months, was signed by Angola’s Minister of Transport, Ricardo Viegas d’Abreu, and the U.S. Under Secretary of State for African Affairs, Mary Catherine Molly Phee.
The initiative coincides with the U.S. President’s visit to Angola, underscoring the strengthening of bilateral ties and the shared commitment to fostering sustainable development in the region.