Africa’s trade landscape is entering a new era of connectivity and sustainability. This week highlighted the growing impact of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy. With the first trial shipment of avocados from Angola via the Lobito Corridor to the Port of Rotterdam. And, the signing of a commitment to develop agro cool logistics along the Northern Corridor, a strategic trade route linking Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda to global markets during the AU–EU Summit 2025.
For both corridors, Invest International plays a key role as the implementing partner for the infrastructure component, bringing together finance, technology, and expertise to make sustainable trade possible.
Lobito Corridor: first e-certified avocado shipment
On November 26, Angola marked a historic achievement as the first E-certified container of avocados left the Lobito Corridor bound for Rotterdam. This shipment meets stringent EU sustainability and import standards, signalling Angola’s readiness to compete in global agri-food markets.
Behind this success lies a collaborative effort between Angolan authorities, trained by the Dutch Food Authority (NVWA), and the Avocado Impact Cluster, launched in December 2024 by Dutch and European companies. The initiative is part of the Lobito Corridor Logistics Development project, led by Invest International under Team Europe and Team NL.
“The first shipment is a tangible example of how infrastructure and trade initiatives can create real impact for people and businesses” – Melanie Maas Geesteranus, CEO Invest International.
“Through the Lobito Corridor and Global Gateway, we are building connections that foster sustainable growth, strengthen supply chains, and open new opportunities for Dutch and European companies in Africa”, says Melanie Maas Geesteranus, CEO of Invest International.
The Lobito Corridor connects Angola’s Atlantic port of Lobito with Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, creating a vital trade route for agribusiness, light industry, and mineral value chains. With over €100 million committed to enabling infrastructure, Angola is positioning itself as a regional logistics key player.
Northern Corridor: commitment to cool chain development
During the AU–EU Summit 2025, the Netherlands and the EU reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the Northern Corridor, a strategic trade route linking Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda to global markets. A commitment was signed by signed by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, INTPA and the Government of Kenya. In this project Invest International is one of the three partners responsible for the infrastructure component within Team NL and Team Europe.
The initiative focuses on two pillars:
- Infrastructure: Building cold storage facilities, consolidation centers, and cool ports to preserve produce quality and reduce post-harvest losses.
- Digital trade facilitation: Deploying smart customs systems, trade transparency platforms, and automated standards to ensure goods move quickly and securely across borders.
The shift from air to sea freight is central to this strategy. It promises lower transport costs, reduced emissions, and stronger food systems plus safeguarding millions of jobs in the agri-food sector.
Global Gateway: a shared future
Both corridors are flagship projects under the EU’s Global Gateway initiative, which aims to mobilize €300 billion by 2027 for sustainable, high-quality infrastructure worldwide. These initiatives reflect a shared vision: building climate-smart, efficient, and inclusive trade systems that connect African producers to European consumers.
As the first avocados sail toward Rotterdam and new commitments take shape on the Northern Corridor, the message is clear: strategic partnerships can turn infrastructure into opportunity, driving sustainable growth and regional integration across Africa.
The AU-EU Summit NL Team after the signing of the commitment to the Northern Corridor-project.
