Two new projects aimed at strengthening trade and boosting youth employment prospects along the Lobito Corridor were launched on March 17, 2026, in Kolwezi, in southeastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Funded by the European Union, the initiatives have a combined budget of 11 million euros. They are part of broader efforts to develop a strategic logistics route serving regional mining exports.

The first project, allocated 6 million euros, is designed to improve the flow of trade along the Lobito Corridor. It includes simplifying customs procedures, building institutional capacity and improving coordination among the authorities involved in goods transit. The program is being implemented with support from TradeMark Africa, an organization specializing in trade facilitation across the continent.

Youth Employment and Digital Skills

The second project, funded at 5 million euros, aims to improve youth employment prospects by developing digital skills. It includes training sessions, bootcamps and support programs designed to ease entry into a changing job market. This component is being implemented in partnership with technical partners, including German development cooperation.

The two projects are part of a coordinated European Union approach to strengthen value chains linked to critical minerals while supporting local economic development.

The Lobito Corridor connects the mining zones of southeastern DRC to port infrastructure in Angola and serves as a key route for copper and cobalt exports. Its development is seen as a strategic lever to improve the competitiveness of Congolese exports and promote regional integration.

Through these initiatives, the European Union aims to combine support for trade infrastructure with investment in human capital, as part of its Global Gateway strategy in Africa.

PM