The Angola-Mozambique Land Corridor in the Oceanpolitic of the Global South
摘要
The term “corridor” in geographical literature can have different meanings depending on the context and objectives we want to study. In this text, I will focus on the strategic aspect of the concept, specifically regarding the historical Portuguese project to establish a bio-oceanic corridor connecting the former colonies of Angola and Mozambique. The project was conceived in the historical context of the nineteenth-century disputes among European colonial powers over control of territories and trade routes. Today, countries in Southern Africa view this project as a crucial element of their regional integration strategies. In this regard, the old transport networks that once formed colonial corridors are being repurposed, along with new projects, to create a revitalised regional infrastructure. Spanning approximately 3500 km and crossing five countries—Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique—this corridor traverses one of the richest mineralogical regions on the planet, often referred to as a “geological scandal” due to its diverse mineral resources. Additionally, this region’s abundant natural resources and strategic location make it an appealing target for both traditional and emerging powers looking to exploit these resources and expand infrastructure. In light of these factors, this text aims to analyse the historical background of the project, the roles of various actors involved in the region, and the importance of developing a bio-oceanic corridor for the Oceanpolitic of the so-called Global South.