Tanzania committed to boosting regional connectivity: Mpango

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania has reiterated its commitment to promoting regional connectivity and development.

Vice President Philip Mpango gave the assurance in Angola during the Lobito Corridor Trans-Africa Summit, which was also attended by US President Joe Biden and the leaders of Angola, DR Congo and Zambia.

The meeting held on Wednesday discussed the Lobito Corridor, a major trans-regional infrastructure project supported by the US and the European Union.

The project seeks to connect mineral-rich regions in southern DR Congo and north-western Zambia to global markets through Angola’s Lobito port by utilising the existing Benguela rail network.

Dr Mpango reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to leveraging its strategic resources and location, saying, “We see the Lobito Corridor as part of a broader strategy to enhance Africa’s connectivity and prosperity, aligning it with our national priorities and regional commitments.”

“Tanzania has always been at the forefront of enhancing regional connectivity. Tazara and Tazama have facilitated cooperation and prosperity since the 1970s. The Lobito Corridor aligns perfectly with Tanzania’s ambitions to expand trade and connectivity within the region.”

The Lobito Corridor, funded by the US Development Finance Corporation (DFC) with an initial $250 million, is seen as pivotal in countering China’s dominance in critical mineral supply chains.

While the project centres on Angola, DRC, and Zambia, Tanzania’s geographic and infrastructural role came into sharp focus, Dr Mpango underscored the historical importance of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (Tazara) and the Tazama oil pipeline, projects that have long connected landlocked African nations to the Indian Ocean.

Tanzania’s connection with Zambia and DR Congo, two of its largest port clients, is crucial.

Between 2020 and 2023, DR Congo moved 11 million tonnes of cargo through Tanzanian ports, while Zambia accounted for 6.9 million tonnes.

These ties are expected to deepen with projects like the Lobito Corridor and Tazara’s planned billion-dollar revamp in partnership with China Civil Engineering and Construction Corporation (CCECC).

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema spoke of the significant regional impact of the Lobito Corridor, emphasising its value not only for Zambia but for the entire Southern African Development Community (SADC).

“This is a huge opportunity, not just for Zambia, but for Angola, DRC, and Tanzania. The fact that these countries are all part of SADC makes this project even more impactful. It’s beneficial not only for the individual countries but for SADC as a whole,” he noted.

Mr Hichilema further stressed the importance of the connectivity the project will foster, linking the western and eastern parts of the continent.

“Starting from Angola, which we believe will serve as a central hub, the corridor will stretch all the way to Chingola and connect to the Tazara corridor in Tanzania. This connection will enable us to link Africa from the west coast in Lobito, passing through DRC and Zambia, and extending to Tanzania. This will be crucial for the economic integration of this region.”

The summit highlighted the delicate balance African nations must maintain amidst growing US-China competition.

While the Lobito Corridor enjoys Western backing, Tanzania’s ongoing collaboration with China on Tazara demonstrates its pragmatic approach to fostering partnerships from both geopolitical camps.