Luanda: The Minister of Mineral Resources and Oil and Gas, Diamantino de Azevedo, announced Angola’s interest in establishing a partnership with Tanzania to advance the construction of the Lobito refinery, situated in Benguela province. The announcement was made during a press briefing following the visit of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan to the Luanda refinery.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the minister emphasized that the ongoing infrastructure projects in Benguela are open to partnerships and investments. He conveyed Angola’s desire to transition from strong political cooperation to a robust economic relationship with Tanzania, aiming to promote development across Africa. The collaboration could include joint investments in gas refining and exchanging expertise in mineral resources, particularly in gold production, where Tanzania has significant experience.
Diamantino de Azevedo highlighted that Angola is beginning its journey in gold production and can benefit from Tanzania’s established presence in this sector. He noted the historical support Angola received from Tanzania during its national liberation struggle and post-independence, suggesting it is time to transform these political ties into economic partnerships.
The minister further explained that Tanzania, with its substantial gas reserves, is keen to leverage Angola’s experience in logistics, training, and legislation. The two countries are already partners in regional initiatives like the Regional Transmission Infrastructure Financing Fund (RTIFF), which was launched in March 2024 to develop high-voltage transmission lines in southern Africa.
Tanzania’s participation in the Lobito Corridor Summit in Benguela, alongside leaders from Angola, the United States, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Zambia, underscores the collaborative efforts to connect the Atlantic and Indian Oceans by rail, fostering trade and regional economic integration.
During President Hassan’s visit to Angola, which concluded on Wednesday, several agreements were signed, and visits were conducted to institutions linked to priority sectors of cooperation. The Lobito refinery is set to become a key industrial hub in the region, with a processing capacity of 100,000 to 200,000 barrels of oil per day. The project includes dredging the Bay, demining, deforestation, constructing roads, and developing a maritime terminal, among other facilities.
The strategic importance of the Lobito refinery extends beyond Angola, offering potential benefits to neighboring countries such as Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia.