DRC approves Lobito Corridor concession; US sees strategic asset, Italy sees Mattei Plan opportunity (decode39.com)

• DRC Council of Ministers approved Lobito Corridor concession for its section
• US views corridor as strategic asset for critical mineral supply chains and AI
• Italy sees chance to align Mattei Plan with US strategy, commits €250 million

"The Democratic Republic of Congo has approved the concession agreement for its section of the Lobito Corridor, a key step in the US-DRC Strategic Partnership. The corridor, linking the copper and cobalt belts to Angola's port, is increasingly viewed by Washington as a cornerstone of secure critical mineral supply chains for the AI revolution. Italy, which has committed €250 million via Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, sees an opportunity to operationalize its Mattei Plan alongside US priorities."