Benguela: The senior head of the U.S. Department of State Bureau of African Affairs, Troy Fitrell, reaffirmed his country's commitment to the sustainable development of the Lobito Corridor. The statements were made during a press conference following his visit to the Lobito Corridor infrastructure, the Bi³pio photovoltaic park, and the Carrinho Grupo in Benguela province.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Troy Fitrell emphasized that Angola can expect more American delegations to engage with the project. He addressed the funding of five billion dollars announced during the recent US-Africa summit, explaining that these funds are intended for investment by all partners of the Corridor. Fitrell confirmed the existence of a mechanism to monitor the application of these funds.
Florizelle Liser, CEO of the Corporate Council of EXIM Bank, stated that her institution has been in contact with Angolan authorities to exchange information on the investment's use and operation. She highlighted that the Lobito Corridor serves as a model for potential replication in other African countries.
This year, the Corridor is set to receive funding of US$550 million, with priority sectors including agriculture and clean energy. US officials emphasized President Donald Trump's support for the project, dismissing rumors of funding cuts by US financial agencies.
Following the U.S.-Africa business summit held from June 22 to 25 in Luanda, the U.S. delegation traveled to Benguela province to assess the operation of the Lobito Corridor's infrastructure. The delegation toured the 188-megawatt Bi³pio photovoltaic park and the Benguela Railway, including a visit to the ore terminal and the multipurpose terminal of the Port of Lobito.
Led by Troy Fitrell, the delegation included Florizelle Liser, Noah Zaring, Charg© d'Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Angola and Sao Tome and Principe, and senior officials from EXIM Bank's Finance Corporation, the Departments of Commerce and Agriculture, and the Trade Representative.
