Benguela: A business mission from the Kingdom of Belgium, led by Ambassador Stephane Duppagne, has arrived in Benguela to explore and establish business opportunities with local entrepreneurs. The delegation, which includes companies from sectors such as agriculture, food, maritime, steel manufacturing, drones, and energy, aims to develop partnerships beneficial to both Belgium and Angola.

According to Angola Press News Agency, the Belgian delegation began its mission in Luanda and has since moved to Lobito, where it will spend two days. Ambassador Duppagne highlighted that this economic mission is part of a broader initiative organized in Belgium to foster economic ties. The mission involves face-to-face meetings with local entrepreneurs to discuss potential collaborative ventures, similar to engagements previously held in Luanda.

The delegation has scheduled meetings with several key entities including the Benguela Business Alliance, the Lobito Atlantic Railway (LAR) consortium, the Benguela Railway, the Carrinho Group, and the Lobito Corridor Transport and Transit Facilitation Agency. Despite having visited the Port of Lobito before, Ambassador Duppagne expressed his admiration for its development progress.

Celso Rosas, CEO of the Port of Lobito, shared the port's aspirations for modernization to align with international maritime standards. He emphasized ongoing dredging work at the quay, which is expected to accommodate larger ships and enhance business prospects. Rosas also mentioned the importance of training staff in English to keep up with the fast-paced globalization of port operations.

The Port of Lobito is a critical component of the Lobito Corridor's infrastructure, playing a significant role in the international trade volume of the African sub-region.