Ten Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen inclusive governance and economic partnerships along the Lobito Corridor under the Corridor Voices Initiative.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, People in Need Zambia Country Director, Stefania Lagonigro, said the agreement marks a significant step towards strengthening collaboration among the organisations to ensure communities are at the center of development.

“Today is more than the signing of an agreement. It is a reaffirmation of our commitment to work together, learn from one another and amplify the voices of the communities we serve,” Ms Lagonigro said.

She stated that while the Lobito Corridor presents immense economic opportunities, development must be transparent, inclusive and responsive to the needs and aspirations of local communities.

And Zambia Governance Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Ingwase Mwale, described the development as a milestone, saying CSOs have a critical role to play in ensuring communities actively participate in the corridor’s development.

“We recognise as civil society organisations that our role is to serve as a bridge between communities and key stakeholders along the corridor. Through Corridor Voices, we want communities to not only participate but to be fully involved and ensure their priorities are reflected in the development agenda,” Ms Mwale said.

Meanwhile, Centre for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD) Executive Director, Isaac Maipopo, said the partnership demonstrates the commitment of civil society organisations to supporting one of Zambia’s most important development initiatives.

Mr Maipopo said the Lobito Corridor offers opportunities beyond trade, noting that it has the potential to unlock investment in agriculture, health, tourism and other service sectors while opening up districts along the railway route to increase economic activity.

“The corridor stands to provide opportunities that extend beyond the movement of goods and services. It will open up alternative economic opportunities and, ultimately, help create jobs for our people once the planned interventions are fully implemented,” Mr Maipopo said.

He called on all stakeholders supporting the Lobito Corridor to move beyond commitments and accelerate implementation to ensure communities begin to realise the benefits of the project.

The partnership comprises People in Need Zambia, Zambia Governance Foundation, and Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR), Kaoma Women’s Association, Zambia National Women’s Lobby, Centre for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD), Muzika Zambia, Kibans Zambia Foundation, Continental Leadership Research Institute and WWF Zambia among others.