High-Level Dialogue in New York Highlights the Transformative Potential of the Lobito Corridor for Africa’s Economic Future
New York, NY – On May 19, 2025, The Jerusalem Post hosted an exclusive, high-level discussion at The Pierre Hotel in New York City, spotlighting the transformative impact of the Lobito Corridor, one of Africa’s most ambitious trade and infrastructure projects. The event convened distinguished panellists and institutional leaders to explore how strategic investments in the Lobito Corridor can reshape regional development and unlock inclusive growth across Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Zambia.
Moderated by Zvika Klein, Editor-in-Chief of The Jerusalem Post, the panel featured:
- Mr. Armando Manuel, Chairman of Angola’s Sovereign Wealth Fund (FSDEA) and former Minister of Finance of Angola
- Mr. Haim Taib, Founder and President of the Mitrelli and Menomadin Groups
- Mr. Muyangwa Muyangwa, Director General of Zambia’s National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA)
Strategic Collaboration for Shared Prosperity
The event underscored the growing role of African sovereign wealth and pension funds in bridging the continent’s infrastructure financing gap. Director Muyangwa emphasized how institutions like NAPSA are increasingly investing in alternative asset classes, citing recent projects in Zambia totaling over $1 billion. 'There’s never been a better time to invest in Africa,' he stated, adding that African institutional investors are now actively inviting global capital to join forces in long-term development.
Dr. Armando Manuel spoke on the redefined role of sovereign wealth funds in shaping the new global economic order. 'At FSDEA, we’re not just passive capital holders. We co-invest strategically to drive regional growth and global economic stability,' said Manuel. 'The Lobito Corridor is a catalyst for inclusive development, particularly through South-South cooperation models that leverage local capital and attract global partners.'
Lobito Corridor: From Infrastructure to Impact
The centrepiece of the discussion was the Lobito Corridor, a 1,400-kilometre multi-modal infrastructure development connecting the Port of Lobito in Angola to the mineral-rich heartlands of Zambia and the DRC. Mr. Haim Taib, who recently launched a $1 billion Lobito Corridor Impact Development Platform, declared: 'This is more than a trade route—it’s a lifeline for over 40 million people. We’re investing in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, telecoms, and technology to create jobs and boost productivity across the region.'
All three panelists echoed the importance of people-centric planning. From cross-border tourism to integrated value chains in agro-industry and energy, the Lobito Corridor is being developed not merely as a logistics project but as an economic backbone for continental growth under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
A New Era of Investment and Cooperation
As governments align with private investors to ensure regulatory stability, capital safety, and strategic oversight, the Lobito Corridor is emerging as a model for sustainable, inclusive development. 'It’s about roads, rail, and electricity—but even more, it’s about jobs, opportunity, and transformation,' concluded Dr. Manuel.
About the Lobito Corridor
The Lobito Corridor is a strategic trade and infrastructure initiative linking Angola’s Atlantic coast to Zambia and the DRC. Designed to facilitate mineral exports, promote intra-African trade, and drive social and economic development, the corridor is a flagship example of African-led infrastructure investment supported by sovereign wealth and pension funds, private investors, and international development partners.
About FSDEA
The Fundo Soberano de Angola (FSDEA) is Angola’s sovereign wealth fund, established to promote long-term economic growth and diversification and offers trusted entry points for global capital in Africa. Specializing in Strategic Investments, encompassing both Financial Markets and Alternative Assets, it is tasked with establishing a sustainable mechanism that ensures the maximization of long-term returns, the preservation of capital, and the support of sustainable socioeconomic growth in Angola and the region.
About Mitrelli Group and Menomadin Foundation
Founded by Haim Taib, the Mitrelli Group and Menomadin Foundation work across sectors to develop and deliver impactful infrastructure and social initiatives throughout Africa, combining business and philanthropy to create sustainable change.
About NAPSA
The National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) is Zambia’s largest institutional investor, playing a leading role in national development by deploying capital into transformative infrastructure, energy, and social projects.
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