The Lobito Corridor as a bridge between diplomacy and development

Rome, 18 June 2026
Online event
Work language: english
15:00 - 16:30 

The event will serve as the concluding point of the project "Italy at the forefront of infrastructure diplomacy: The Lobito Corridor case", which aims to analyze the Italian and European role in the Lobito Corridor.

The Lobito Corridor is a railway traversing Angola, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with significant transformative potential. Originally built for mining purposes—to connect countries producing and consuming critical raw materials and to diversify European value chains—this infrastructure has a much broader impact. From the agricultural sector to interregional African trade, it can act as a catalyst for prosperity for the countries involved and for sub-Saharan Africa as a whole.

The webinar will provide an opportunity to review the latest developments and explore how Italian and European perspectives can align with the needs of local African development. During the event, a paper by IAI researchers will be presented, followed by a panel discussion with experts in infrastructure, energy, and development.

15:00 Welcome Remarks

Marianna Lunardini | Reseacher, Istituto Affari Internazionali
Antonino Tedesco | Counsellor Of Legation And Deputy Head Of Unit, Dg For Political Affairs And International Security, Italian Ministry Of Foreign Affairs And International Cooperation

15:10 Paper Presentation

Darlington Tshuma | Researcher, Istituto Affari Internazionali

15:25 Panel Of Discussion

Auda-Nepad (invited) |
Lucia Alfano | Policy Officer, Dg For International Partnerships, European Commission
Divyam Nagpal | Principal Specialist Renewable Energy, Sustainable Energy For All

Chair Marianna Lunardini | Reseacher, Istituto Affari Internazionali

16:10 Q&A
16:30 End Of The Event

Download Programme