Government has reaffirmed its commitment to translating infrastructure development into tangible benefits for community empowerment.
Ministry of Community Development and Social Services Permanent Secretary, Ms. Beatrice Chilomo, has observed that infrastructure such as roads, railways, and ports are important, but only as transformative as the opportunities they create for the people who live along them.
She made the remarks when she officiated at the “Corridor Voices: Civil Society at the Heart of Inclusive and Sustainable Lobito Corridor Development,” Regional meeting, which brought together CSOs from Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zambia, government ministries, the European Union, and other INGOs.
The Permanent Secretary acknowledged that the Lobito Corridor represents one of the most significant infrastructure investments in the region’s recent history, as it promises economic growth, job creation, and enhanced regional connectivity.
She however noted that these promises can only be realized if communities are informed and engaged from the earliest stages of development and if local voices are allowed to shape decisions rather than simply respond to them and expressed optimism that the launched Corridor Voices would address the gaps between the people and policy.
Ms. Chilomo further emphasized that the benefits of the Lobito Corridor should be inclusive and equitable, reaching women, youth, and marginalized groups, and that social and environmental safeguards must protect the most vulnerable from displacement and disruption. She called on the Civil Society Organizations to complement governments efforts in ensuring sustainable development.
“We recognize that sustainable development cannot be achieved by government alone. Civil society organizations are essential partners in monitoring social safeguards, amplifying community priorities, building local capacity for advocacy and oversight, promoting transparency and accountability, and de-risking investments,” she stated.
She added that the Ministry’s mandate, which centers on empowering communities, strengthening social protection systems, and ensuring development reaches the most vulnerable fully appreciates the initiative.
Meanwhile, European Union Team Leader for Social Sector and Governance, Mr. Bodgan Stefanescu, stated that the initiative reflects a shared commitment to inclusive development and partnership, noting that the Lobito Corridor should become not only an economic route but also a pathway for social progress and accountability.
People in Need Country Director, Ms. Stefania Lagonigro, appreciated the strong foundation of Zambia’s Vision 2030, which she said stakeholders will build upon, as it places community participation, inclusiveness, and a multi-stakeholder approach at the core of the country’s development path.
The Corridor Voices, an initiative launched by People In Need Zambia, is aimed at placing the communities and civil society at the heart of the Lobito Corridor’s development with the aim of ensuring that infrastructure development translates into tangible benefits for the communities.
