APA-Gaborone (Botswana) Ministers from Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia are set to meet in Angola on Saturday to discuss the harmonisation of transport policies and systems and development of infrastructure along the Lobito Corridor that links the three countries.
In a statement on Friday, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat said it would facilitate the first meeting of the Committee of Ministers from Angola, DRC and Zambia scheduled for Lobito, Angola on December 16.
“The purpose of this meeting is to review and assess the progress of activities aimed at accelerating the implementation of the Lobito Corridor Transit Transport Facilitation programme,” the Gaborone-based Secretariat said.
The Lobito Corridor Transit Transport Facilitation (LCTTF) Agreement was signed in Lobito by the three countries in January 2023. It serves as a framework for the three SADC member states to collaborate in the development of harmonised corridor laws, policies, regulations and systems, as well as infrastructure development.
The ministers are also expected to review strategies for expediting the development of the Lobito Corridor while also establishing sector-specific sub-committees in the fields of transport, particularly road, railway, aviation, port, and marine; trade and value chains; energy; and information and communication technology.
The sub-committees would ensure the harmonisation of policies, laws and regulations, the formulation of a sustainability strategy for the corridor, and the creation of a comprehensive infrastructure plan.
They are also expected to facilitate the mobilisation of resources for regional priority infrastructure projects and ensure efficient coordination of resources for project implementation.
Saturday’s meeting would also discuss the establishment of an interim LCTTFA Secretariat and develop a draft framework for terms and conditions of service.
JN/APA