Connect with us

Politics

United States and European Union team up to help unlock the Lobito Corridor potential

Published

on

THE United States of America (US) and European Union(EU) have teamed up to help accelerate a partnership among Angola, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo ( DRC) towards development of the Lobito Corridor.

The move by the US and EU will help upgrade critical infrastructure across sub-Saharan Africa to unlock the enormous potential of the region.

The US and EU on the margins of the partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment event at the G20 in India, welcomed the commitment by the three African countries to develop the Lobito Corridor and have pledged to help accelerate this.

The partnership will combine financial resources and technical know-how to accelerate the Lobito Corridor development, including investments in digital access and agricultural value chains that will increase regional competitiveness.

The two countries as an immediate next step, will support the Governments in launching pre-feasibility studies for the construction of the new Zambia-Lobito railway line from eastern Angola through northern Zambia.

Zambia, Angola and DRC recently made a commitment to develop the Lobito Corridor connecting southern Democratic Republic of the Congo and northwestern Zambia to regional and global trade markets via the Port of Lobito in Angola.

“To accelerate this work in partnership with the three African countries, the European Union and the United States are teaming up to support the development of the Corridor, including by launching feasibility studies for a new greenfield rail line expansion between Zambia and Angola.”

“This represents a powerful evolution of the Partnership element of the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment with a collaborative approach that could be replicated in other strategic corridors around the world,” read the statement.

In teaming up, US and the EU partnership will upgrade critical infrastructure across sub-Saharan Africa to unlock the enormous potential of this region.

“We are excited to join forces to generate economic benefits with our partners in Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia.This announcement shows PGI and Global Gateway at work, bringing partners together to finance multibillion dollar projects that will help create local jobs, decrease the carbon footprint and improve local economies,” read the statement.

The US and EU reiterated that the partnership builds on the initial U.S.-led support to refurbish the railway section from the Lobito port in Angola to the DRC.

The two partner countries outlined that once transport infrastructure connecting all three countries is fully operational, the Corridor will enhance export possibilities for Zambia, Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, boost the regional circulation of goods, and promote the mobility of citizens.

“By significantly reducing the average transport time, the new railway will lower the logistics costs and carbon footprint of exporting metals, agricultural goods, and other products, as well as for future development of any mineral discoveries,” read the statement.

The United States and the European Union plan to explore cooperation in three specific areas: i) transport infrastructure investments; ii) measures to facilitate trade, economic development and transit; and iii) support to related sectors to fuel inclusive and sustainable economic growth and capital investment in Angola, Zambia and DRC in the longer term.

(Mwebantu, Sunday, 10th September, 2023)

Politics

PF Secretary General Nakachinda involved in a road traffic accident 

Published

on

PATRIOTIC Front (PF) Secretary General Raphael Nakachinda has been involved in Road Traffic Accident after the vehicle he was driving was hit into by a locomotive.

This happened when Mr Nakachinda who whilst driving an Isuzu vehicle failed to give way to a locomotive hence his vehicle was hit into.

Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga said the incident occurred today around midnight along the Great North Road at Shikoswe railway crossing.

“Involved was Raphael Mangani Nakachinda aged 45 of house number 1794 Inkanga area of Kafue District who was driving an Isuzu registration number BAH 8695 from North to South who sustained bruised left πarm ,bruised back of the neck , bruised left ear and painful left leg, whilst the vehicle incurred a shattered front windscreen, extensively damaged right side body, rear passenger’s door and both rear lights,” he said.

He said also involved was Vincent Mabinda aged 45 of unknown house number a driver of a Goods Train from west to east direction which had no damages.

“The accident happened when Mr. Raphael Nakachinda who whilst driving an Isuzu vehicle failed to give way to a locomotive hence his vehicle was hit into by an on-coming Locomotive which had the right of way,” he said.

Mr Hamoonga said the accused has since been charged for the offence of Careless driving and his vehicle impounded at the Police station.

(Mwebantu, Saturday, 2nd December, 2023)

Continue Reading

Politics

I am ready to risk my life to save the PF, says Edgar Lungu 

Published

on

“I AM ready for anything, including risking my own life to save the Patriotic Front (PF),” Former republican President Edgar Lungu has said.

Mr Lungu says victory is certain and that the machinations by the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) in form of ‘Imingalato’ will not stop him.

He has also noted that he is aware that the next move by the UPND is to lift his immunity, but he is ready and not worried about the outcome.

Speaking when he addressed the media on a number or issues, he said that he did not intend to get back into active politics, but he did so to ensure that PF lives on.

He noted that this was from the backdrop of the machinations from Government to steal, kill and destroy the PF in order to continue their stay in power.

“The machinations became more when those in power wanted to state a coup in PF using their stooges. They were illegally endorsed by police, followed by the National Assembly to swot democracy. This becoming more vivid when the victim who in this case is the PF is treated as a villian and a state sponsored sect is being given protection by the law,” he said.

Mr Lungu claimed that unfortunately, for those in power, it is not possible to submerge the PF in an attempt of using ‘Imingalato.’

“In this regard, I made a call to all opposition s as to defend Zambia’s hard earned democracy. I called for unity of purpose and today I am humbled for the unanimous response. Victory is certain, we shall certainly defeat those scheming against democracy,” he said.

He further claimed that he came back into politics to save the PF from being stolen of killed by the government.

“I am aware the next move is to lift my immunity from prosection. This does not worry me. It is another ploy to divert people from their failure, ” he said.

(Mwebantu, Friday, 1st December, 2023)

Continue Reading

Politics

‘Imbwili’ jailed for hate speech

Published

on

OPPOSITION Patriotic Front (PF) member of the Central Committee and former Roan Member of Parliament Chishimba Kambwili has been handed a five-month prison sentence for hate speech by Kasama Magistrate’s Court.

In this case, Kambwili, 54, of house number 9, Wisteria Avenue, Luanshya was charged with the offence of expressing hatred and ridicule of the persons based on tribe and place of origin.

Kasama Resident Magistrate Samson Mumba found Kambwili after the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubts.
And in mitigation, Kambwili who spoke through his lawyer told court that he was a first offender, a family man and a person who previously served the nation as a cabinet minister.

He also urged the court to take into consideration his health.

In sentencing Kambwili, Magistrate Mumba said he took into account the mitigation.
He however said he sentenced Kambwili to five months imprisonment to deter would be offenders.

Meanwhile, after judgement was passed, Kambwili’s lawyer Kaizara Tembo told journalists his client will appeal against the verdict.

“Currently we are making efforts to lodge in an application for bail pending appeal,” he said.

Kambwili has since been transported to Milima Correctional Facility in Kasama.

(Mwebantu, Thursday,  30th November, 2023)

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Mwebantu on Facebook

© Copyright © 2023 Mwebantu. All Rights Reserved. Zambia's leading Social news platform.