Luanda: Angolan president Joo Lourenço has embarked on a journey to Washington DC, United States, following an invitation from US authorities, as reported by the Press Services of the Presidency of the Republic in Luanda. The visit underscores the deepening cooperation between Angola and the United States, which has been ongoing for over 30 years through regular high-level engagements.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Angola has become a focal point in US foreign policy in Africa since the 2022 US-Africa Summit. The nation’s active economic diplomacy has elevated its role as a strategic partner. This year, Angola hosted the United States/Africa Summit under the theme “Pathways to Prosperity: A Shared Vision for Partnership,” solidifying its status as a reliable partner on the continent.
One of the key initiatives in this partnership is the Lobito Corridor, a priority project of the Global Infrastructure Investment Partnership led by the US. This infrastructure aims to enhance regional integration by c
onnecting Angola with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia, promoting agricultural development and investments in green energy, telecommunications, and transport.
In terms of strategic investments, the US has allocated 900 million US dollars through the Exim Bank for Sun Africa’s solar projects and 363 million for the construction of prefabricated bridges by Acrow Bridge. These projects are expected to create thousands of jobs for both Angolans and Americans. Additionally, a memorandum has been signed for a new railway line between Angola and Zambia, accompanied by a 250 million US dollar investment to modernize the Lobito Atlantic Railway.
In aviation, a significant deal was announced involving the purchase of 10 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft by Angolan carrier TAAG, valued at 3.6 billion US dollars. This deal reflects the strengthening trade relations and growth in Angola’s aviation sector.
The US has also focused on cooperation in agriculture, providing 13.3 million US dollars in emergency assi
stance to southern Angolan provinces affected by drought. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is set to lead an agribusiness trade mission involving over 60 companies to bolster food security and climate resilience.
Furthermore, the Gender Equality Fund has allocated 5 million US dollars to support women farmers along the Lobito Corridor, promoting female entrepreneurship. In telecommunications, the Exim Bank approved 42 million US dollars for a project to expand radio coverage to 95% of Angola’s population.
In the energy sector, Angola is leading Africa in the energy transition, aiming to generate 73% of its energy from clean sources by 2027. Sun Africa’s solar projects are expected to generate 370 MW of renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions significantly. Additionally, NASA is collaborating with Angola on water resource management and drought mitigation to support agricultural and environmental planning.