Malabo: Angola has successfully identified 34 critical minerals essential for the energy transition, with a significant emphasis on copper. The national strategy is aimed at transforming Angola from a mere exporter of raw materials into a producer of value-added goods, including fertilizers, steel, titanium, and battery components, to enhance internal value and diversify the economy, ultimately generating skilled employment opportunities.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the announcement was made by the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Isaac dos Anjos, during his participation in the panel "Green industrialization and valorization of natural resources" at the XI Summit of the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OEACP) held in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. He underscored Angola's robust base of natural resources such as oil, gas, diamonds, and strategic minerals like iron, copper, and rare earths, and highlighted the urgency of a green transition which presents Africa with an opportunity to build sustainable economies.
Isaac dos Anjos emphasized that Angola is well-positioned to become a low-carbon producer and exporter of premium green products. The country aims to capitalize on its emerging industrial base to attract private investment and develop initiatives such as reforestation, carbon capture, and conservation programs, particularly for mangroves of high environmental value. Angola aspires to transition from being merely a raw material supplier to a nation that innovates and exports high-value products.
In terms of clean energy, the minister noted that the majority of Angola's electricity is generated from hydroelectric sources, reinforcing the country's leadership in decarbonization with ongoing investments in solar, wind, and green hydrogen. Clean and stable energy is highlighted as crucial for industrialization, with a focus on developing ecological economic zones that integrate start-ups, clean technologies, and innovation incubators like Eco-Selecta for recycling.
Regarding critical minerals, dos Anjos outlined a local valorization strategy targeting diamonds, fertilizers, steel, and titanium. He mentioned strategic infrastructure projects like the Lobito Corridor and Longonjo axis, which are vital for reducing logistical costs and enhancing market connectivity.
The agricultural sector, identified as having high potential but underutilized, requires mechanization, productivity improvements, and market orientation. Dos Anjos also introduced the PRODESA program, which aims at food security, income diversification, and climate adaptation, focusing on rural communities and sustainable resource management.
In addition, the minister advocated for vertical integration of resources like copper, iron, phosphate, and rare earths through international partnerships for technological transfer and local processing, supported by revenues from oil and diamonds. He also recommended conservation and reforestation programs to enhance carbon markets and forest conservation.
Angola's National Strategy for Biofuels was highlighted as a key aspect of energy transition, aiming to diversify the national energy matrix, promote the circular economy, and boost agricultural development. The strategy targets the production of first and second-generation biofuels using raw materials like agricultural, forestry, and urban waste.
Furthermore, the sustainability of fishing and aquaculture was discussed with recommendations for investments in fish processing, sustainable aquaculture, and coastal inspection to combat illegal fishing. The integration of renewable energies and emphasis on technical training in digital skills, management, and environmental preservation were also stressed.
Lastly, Angola calls for mobilizing blended finance for green industrialization, underscoring commitments under the African Green Industrialization Initiative (AGII) and encouraging new partnerships. The minister concluded by affirming that green industrialization and natural resource valorization are crucial for Angola's economic sovereignty and sustainable prosperity.