Luanda: Angola has become the first nation globally to secure investment from the African Bank of Oman (ABO), a branch of the Sultanate of Oman, with a substantial investment of over 18 billion kwanzas. This development was announced by António Mendes, the president of the Executive Committee of the banking institution in Angola. According to Angola Press News Agency, António Mendes outlined the bank's initial strategy, which focuses on attracting clients and creating a robust financial corridor between Angola and the Middle East. The primary targets for this corridor include Oman, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Saudi Arabia, with the goal of drawing in Arab investors. Mendes highlighted that the bank's short-term goal is to concentrate on the corporate and business sector. In the medium term, the bank plans to broaden its focus to include the retail and individual sectors. This expansion aims to introduce Oman's successful experience in financial inclusion and banking access to the Angolan population. In response to questions about credit access for national companies, Mendes explained that the bank will initially serve as a project advisor. The focus will be on assisting investors in structuring their business models to become bankable, thereby facilitating connections with other local and international banks. Mendes also discussed a recent meeting with the Minister of State for Economic Coordination, which was an opportunity to exchange insights on Oman's trajectory. Although Oman's economy is heavily reliant on oil and gas, it has made strides in economic diversification. "We want to support the Angolan Government with our experience and knowledge to accelerate Angola's economic diversification initiatives," Mendes noted. He further emphasized that the establishment of an Omani capital bank in Luanda sends a positive message to the press and international markets regarding Angola's potential. Currently, the African Bank of Oman operates with a single branch in Luanda, with plans to expand its service network as b usiness volume and customer base grow.