Footage showed damaged homes, waterlogged rooms and household items floating in muddy floodwater. Another resident, Nelson Joao Adriano, said entire homes, including bedrooms, kitchens and living rooms, had been inundated, and called for families to be relocated from flood-prone areas.

Victims also criticised the authorities for failing to respond adequately, saying the stagnant water posed serious health risks and had made daily life unbearable. While the death toll from the floods rises, residents say they feel abandoned and are demanding urgent support.

As part of a strategy to capture more value from its natural resources, the Angolan government is considering acquiring a 20 - 30% strategic stake in De Beers. Officials say discussions are at an advanced stage.

Botswana, already a key shareholder in De Beers, is also seeking to increase its stake. The government currently holds 15% of the company and has expressed interest in expanding its ownership as Anglo American moves forward with plans to sell the diamond business .

Meanwhile, Anglo American CEO Duncan Wanblad said he is optimistic a deal could be signed before the end of the year. 

“At this stage I’m optimistic that we should see a deal signed during the course of this year. We are now really advanced in the second phase of our process,” Wanblad told reporters after the release of the company’s interim results. 

He added that “Botswana is an extremely important and key stakeholder,” noting that its position would be decisive in determining the structure of any final deal. Botswana President Duma Boko has publicly voiced support for increasing the country’s stake.

De Beers, founded more than 135 years ago by Cecil Rhodes in South Africa, has mined hundreds of millions of carats across the continent, particularly in South Africa, Botswana and Namibia, generating tens of billions of dollars in revenue.

However, the diamond market is currently facing headwinds. Wanblad acknowledged uncertainty over De Beers’ valuation following significant write-downs that contributed to Anglo American posting a $3.7 billion loss.

“At the moment there is a plentiful supply of rough diamonds in the market, with Angola ramping up output during the course of the year,” he said, adding that he could not rule out further impairments depending on market conditions .

If Angola secures up to 30% and Botswana increases its holding, the two African producers would collectively control a substantial share of De Beers.

Outgoing Chairperson João Lourenço reflected on Angola’s leadership over the past year. He highlighted progress in advancing Agenda 2063, mobilising investments for infrastructure , strengthening continental integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and promoting reforms to improve AU efficiency and reduce bureaucracy.

President Ndayishimiye, 57, has served as the tenth President of Burundi since June 2020. He became involved in the National Council for the Defence of Democracy – Forces for the Defence of Democracy (CNDD-FDD) during the Burundian Civil War and rose through its ranks. After the conflict, he entered the Burundian Army and held several political offices under President Pierre Nkurunziza, who endorsed him as successor ahead of the 2020 elections, which he won with a large majority.

The summit also confirmed the AU Bureau for 2026. Ghana was named First Vice Chair, Tanzania as Second Vice Chair, and Angola as Rapporteur. A representative from North Africa is yet to be confirmed as Third Vice Chair.

Egypt

With SDR 6.73 billion still outstanding, Egypt is by far Africa’s largest debtor to the IMF and one of the biggest globally. Egypt is currently under a 46-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF), complemented by an arrangement under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF), approved in March 2025. The program supports a far-reaching adjustment that includes currency flexibility, subsidy reforms and fiscal consolidation.

IMF staff project that Egypt’s obligations to the Fund will gradually decline over the life of the program, but for now the country remains heavily exposed. In the November snapshot alone, Cairo repaid more than SDR 164 million, trimming but not transforming its outstanding stock. 

Côte d’Ivoire

Côte d’Ivoire is the second-largest African borrower, with SDR 3.08 billion in IMF credit outstanding as of 12 November. Abidjan is covered by twin arrangements under the Extended Fund Facility and Extended Credit Facility, plus an RSF program aimed at climate and resilience spending. In June 2025 the IMF Board completed the fourth review of these programs and the third RSF review.

Kenya

In third place, Kenya has SDR 2.96 billion outstanding. Since 2021, Nairobi has been under a blended EFF/ECF program supplemented by an RSF arrangement, aimed at stabilising debt, raising revenue and creating space for social and climate spending. The IMF Board concluded the seventh and eighth reviews in October 2024, approving further disbursements.

In 2025, Kenya and the IMF opted not to proceed with a planned ninth review; the government has instead requested a new lending arrangement , seeking to roll over about US$800 million in undrawn funds while grappling with high debt-service costs and public anger over tax hikes.

Angola

Angola, fourth on the list with SDR 2.66 billion in IMF credit. An oil-dependent economy is still living with the legacy of earlier shocks. The country has no recent repayment history yet. Between 2018 and 2021, Luanda undertook an EFF-backed program that pushed through heavy fiscal consolidation, a value-added tax, exchange-rate liberalisation, partial debt reprofiling and steps toward inflation targeting.

Ghana

Ghana, fifth on the list, owes SDR 2.58 billion, equivalent to roughly US$3.5 billion at current SDR rates.  Accra is in the middle of a US$3 billion, three-year Extended Credit Facility approved in May 2023, designed to pull the country out of its worst economic crisis in decades. The IMF completed a third program review in late 2024, allowing a further disbursement of SDR 269.1 million (about US$360 million), while insisting on continued fiscal tightening, restructuring of domestic and external debt, and reforms in areas such as tax administration and state-owned enterprises.  

By mid-2025, Ghana’s parliament had also approved a US$2.8 billion debt relief deal with official bilateral creditors, pushing out payments due between 2022 and 2026 to the 2039–2043 period and helping keep the IMF program on track.

Decades after the end of Angola’s brutal civil war, the country is still fighting a silent battle against landmines scattered across its southern provinces. These hidden explosives not only claim lives but also block access to farmland, delay infrastructure development, and hinder the resettlement of displaced communities. NGOs and international partners continue to press for increased funding and faster demining efforts to make rural areas safe and spur economic recovery.

Journalists push for fair wages

Media tensions are growing as Angolan journalists continue to demand improved pay and safer working conditions. The Minister of Telecommunications, Information, and Social Communication has stated that negotiations will not stop until both parties reach an understanding. This dispute highlights ongoing concerns about press freedom, the professionalisation of the media sector, and the economic challenges facing journalists in Angola.

Angola celebrates 50 years of independence with carnival

President João Lourenço joined thousands at an off-season carnival along Luanda’s Nova Marginal to mark the 50th anniversary of Angola’s independence. The event was a major cultural showcase, featuring parades, music, and traditional performances that drew crowds from across the country. The celebration served as both a moment of national pride and a reminder of the challenges Angola has faced since independence, including war, political transition, and economic reform.

High-profile tax fraud trial begins

An investigation into one of Angola’s most significant financial scandals kicked off this week, involving 38 defendants accused of tax fraud. This case is expected to be closely watched as a litmus test for President Lourenço’s anti-corruption campaign, which has targeted prominent figures and sought to recover billions of dollars lost to graft. Analysts say the proceedings will be a measure of Angola’s ability to strengthen its legal system and restore investor confidence.

$7 billion spent annually on public sector salaries

Angola’s government disclosed that it spends around $7 billion annually on public sector salaries, a massive allocation in a country still facing post-war reconstruction needs and economic diversification challenges. This revelation has sparked debate about public spending priorities, efficiency in state institutions, and the need for reform to create more space for infrastructure, health, and education funding.

The United Nations’ World Population Prospects 2024 projects that the global population will climb from around 8.16 billion in 2024 to 9.66 billion by 2050.

Nowhere is this transformation more dramatic than in Sub-Saharan Africa. Angola, for instance, is forecast to nearly double its population, growing by an astonishing 93.4% to 218 million by mid-century. Tanzania follows closely with 90% growth, while Egypt, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo also show sharp upward trends.

By 2050, one in four people on the planet will be African, according to the UN. For nations like Nigeria, which is expected to surpass 214 million people, this demographic surge presents both an immense opportunity and a pressing challenge: to build the infrastructure, schools, and healthcare systems needed for a booming, youthful population.

In Asia, the picture is more mixed. India will remain a population giant, growing modestly by 12% to 1.68 billion, while Pakistan’s growth is somewhat faster, bringing it to more than 370 million people. Indonesia is set to rise to 320 million.

Yet China, once the most populous nation in the world, is projected to shrink over the coming decades, cementing India’s position as the world’s largest country. This shift reflects a broader slowdown across East Asia, where ageing and declining fertility are reshaping economies and societies.

Taken together, these figures underscore the profound changes underway. The UN projects that the global population will peak at about 10.3 billion in the mid-2080s, before gradually declining to roughly 10.2 billion by 2100. That long-term trend reflects falling fertility rates worldwide, even in regions that are still expanding quickly today.

However, Africa’s rapid growth could deliver a powerful economic dividend if countries successfully invest in education, jobs, and governance. At the same time, slower-growing and ageing regions in Europe and East Asia face the opposite challenge: shrinking workforces and rising dependency ratios.

In short, the world of 2050 will be far more African, somewhat more South Asian, and considerably less European and East Asian than it is today.

The map uses 2023 data from the World Bank’s World Integrated Trade Solution (WITS) and the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC) to show which country each African nation buys the most goods from. It paints the continent mainly in red, indicating China, with pockets of green for South Africa and patches of blue, yellow and light green representing France, Spain and Italy.

China’s rise as Africa’s biggest trading partner is well documented. In many countries, the Chinese share of imports is overwhelming.

Angola is a striking example: WITS data show that in 2022 China supplied around 74 % of Angola’s imports, far ahead of Portugal, Korea and the Netherlands. China ships everything from oil‑industry equipment to consumer goods into Angola, and its firms are deeply involved in infrastructure projects across the country.

Other major economies are similarly dependent. On Ghana’s OEC profile , China is by far the largest import origin, supplying about US$6.15 billion of goods in 2023. The next largest suppliers were the Netherlands (US$1.58 billion), India (US$1.1 billion), the United States and Russia. Ghana imports everything from machinery and electronics to textiles from China.

In Mali, imports come mainly from neighbouring Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal, yet China is still the third largest source, ahead of France and Burkina Faso. This underscores how China has inserted itself even into markets where colonial ties once dominated. OEC data show that Chinese goods account for roughly US$803 million of Mali’s imports.

The map highlights a swathe of green across southern Africa where South Africa is the top import supplier. OEC data illustrate why: Namibia imported US$2.68 billion of goods from South Africa in 2023, more than four times the value of imports from China.

South Africa’s advanced manufacturing sector and proximity make it the go‑to supplier for neighbours such as Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe . In Namibia’s case, imports range from refined petroleum and foodstuffs to vehicles.

South Africa also exports significant volumes of electricity, machinery and chemicals to the region. Its dominant position in these markets explains why the map shows its colour over countries like Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini, though the underlying data for those countries was not accessible.

While China and South Africa dominate, the map reveals several blue, yellow and light green territories indicating European partners. OEC data for Mali show that France remains a significant import source, supplying about US$335 million worth of goods in 2023, though it is not the biggest.

French exports tend to consist of pharmaceuticals, machinery and foodstuffs, reflecting long‑standing colonial and linguistic ties in West Africa.

Spain and Italy appear as leading import partners for some North‑African and Sahel countries on the map (for example, Morocco and Tunisia), where proximity across the Mediterranean and preferential trade agreements play a role.

Though data for those countries were not accessible, the World Bank’s WITS database notes that for certain North‑African economies, European Union members supply a large share of imports, particularly refined fuels, machinery and consumer goods. The presence of Spain and Italy in the map’s legend underscores their importance in regional trade flows.

The surgeon, Dr. Vipul Patel from AdventHealth hospital in Florida, guided the procedure from nearly 7,000 miles away.

According to the hospitals involved, it is the longest-distance robotic surgery ever performed. A team of local medical staff, including surgeons, nurses, anaesthetists, and engineers, assisted in the operating room in Angola.

The patient, 67-year-old Fernando da Silva, was discharged just three days after the surgery and is now recovering at home.

The hospital, Complexo Hospitalar Cardeal Dom Alexandre do Nascimento, described the procedure as a major step for African healthcare and the first of its kind on the continent.

Dr. Patel said the surgery was not only a scientific milestone but also an important moment in making high-quality care more accessible to patients in remote or low-resource settings.

“I am pleased to announce the waiver of tourist visa requirements for Angolan citizens wishing to visit Tanzania,” President Hassan said.

President Hassan also paid tribute to the historical friendship between the two nations, forged by Tanzania’s founding father Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and Angola’s first president, António Agostinho Neto.

As part of her official visit, President Hassan is set to address the Angolan Parliament, becoming the first female African Head of State to do so.

The visa waiver is expected to boost tourism, trade , and cultural exchange between the two nations, which established formal diplomatic relations on August 25, 1981. Both Tanzania and Angola are active members of the African Union and (Southern African Development Community (SADC).

Angola’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 3.8% in 2024, driven by a recovery in the oil sector, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). However, the IMF warns that budget consolidation efforts have weakened due to rising capital expenditures and slow fuel subsidies reforms. Inflation remains high, and the currency depreciated over 10% against the US dollar in 2024, Angola Noticias reports. While the debt-to-GDP ratio declined, high external debt service continues to pressure the economy. The IMF projects 3% growth in 2025 but cautions about ongoing risks. "Growth is expected to remain at 3% in 2025, while inflation is expected to decrease with the disappearance of cost factors," estimates the IMF.

Angola among Africa’s 'less free' nations  

Freedom House’s "Freedom in the World 2025" report ranks Angola among Africa’s least free nations, scoring 28 out of 100. The report cites systematic repression of political dissent, despite some anti-corruption efforts under President João Lourenço. According to the study, "Angola has been governed by the same party since independence, and the authorities have systematically repressed political dissidence. Since the election of President João Lourenço in 2017, the government has taken measures to repress endemic corruption and eased restrictions on the press and civil society, but serious challenges persist in terms of governance and human rights," Angola24horas reports. Equatorial Guinea scored lower, ranking among the continent’s worst, while Cape Verde and São Tomé and Príncipe were the most democratic Lusophone African countries.

Angolan president cancels Timor-Leste visit  

The Angolan President João Lourenço has postponed his visit to Timor-Leste due to responsibilities as the African Union (AU) chair. Lourenço’s mediation of the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to the presidency, remains a priority. "Unfortunately, the President of Angola has postponed the trip because Angola has assumed the presidency of the African Union, a great responsibility and a great honour," José Ramos-Horta told journalists. Ramos-Horta emphasised Timor-Leste’s understanding of the situation, noting that the president's planned visits to Australia and Indonesia are also now unlikely due to his AU commitments, Novo Journal reports.

Over 3,000 killed in road accidents in 2024  

Angola recorded 3,120 road accident deaths in 2024, up from 2,915 in 2023, despite a decline in overall accidents from 13,597 to 12,303. Injuries slightly decreased to 16,282. Luanda had the highest toll, with 2,650 accidents causing 954 deaths, Novo Journal reports. Major causes include speeding, drunk driving, poor road conditions, and mobile phone use while driving. Motorcycle riders, especially moto-taxi operators, were involved in a significant number of accidents.

Missionary's wife charged with murder  

Jackie Shroyer, wife of slain American missionary Beau Shroyer, has been formally charged with murder. Shroyer was stabbed in Huila Province in October 2023. The Criminal Investigation Service (SIC) claims Jackie orchestrated the crime with hired help. The couple arrived in Angola in 2021 for missionary work with SIM, a religious organisation. According to Angola Noticias , their children remain in the care of close family, while Jackie awaits trial, expected within six months.

The Congolese residents in Angola are criticising Western powers for not doing enough to address the root causes of the conflict and for not providing sufficient support to regional efforts to broker peace.

Muamas Pablo André, a member of the Congolese community in Luanda, told AFP, "We don't need help anymore. You never help, you never help, you don't know how to help others. Bloodthirsty people that you are, you have always created wars for centuries and centuries, but now time has changed. Time changes day by day. We don't need the Americans or the Europeans!"

M23 Rebel forces made a significant move into Goma on Monday, January 27, marking a severe escalation of the long-running conflict in the region. This development led to exchanges of fire between Congolese troops and the Rwandan military across the border, signalling a worrying intensification of violence that hasn't been seen in over a decade.

South African forces are deployed as part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) regional mission and the UN peacekeeping force, MONUSCO, to help stabilise the conflict-prone region.

Ramaphosa emphasised ongoing diplomatic efforts to maintain peace in the region, including conversations with Rwandan President Paul Kagame. "We are insisting that a ceasefire must hold," he told the media .

Minister of Defence Angie Motshekga provided additional details, revealing that M23 had requested safe passage to retrieve their deceased fighters. "We hoisted a white flag to allow this passage, which I am told is a conventional practice in war ," Motshekga said.

She also highlighted Angola’s role in peace negotiations and ongoing discussions involving Rwanda, often accused of supporting the M23. "We are keeping communications open with Rwanda, and there has been no hostility between us," Motshekga added.

The attacks in DRC have triggered a severe humanitarian crisis, forcing thousands to flee further south into the already volatile South Kivu region or seek refuge across the Rwandan border. The UN reports that over 500,000 people have been displaced since January, while hospitals are overwhelmed with casualties, many of whom are civilians.

One of the tools Interpol uses is called a "notice." These notices are given colour codes to indicate what each notice is supposed to do, there’s the Red and Yellow notices.

A Red Notice is a request to police around the world to find and temporarily arrest someone. This is done while waiting for extradition, surrender, or other legal actions. A Yellow Notice on the other hand is a global alert to police worldwide to alert them to help locate missing persons.

The people on a Red Notice are wanted by a specific country or an international court. It is up to each country to decide if they will arrest the person based on their own laws. Red Notices are sometimes shared publicly when there is a need for the public to help find a fugitive or criminal on the wanted list.  

In Africa, some countries including Benin, Botswana and Equatorial Guinea have no records of wanted persons, whereas others like Algeria, Morocco and Egypt have quite a number.

In this list, we bring you the first part of a list of Africa’s top wanted persons:

1.      Algeria - Zouaoui Mouatassim

(24 yrs, male) – Wanted for Rape committed against a person in a situation of economic or social vulnerability. Administration of a harmful substance resulting in death without intent to cause it. Supply or offering of narcotics to a minor for their personal consumption. Aggravated pimping: victim a minor aged between 15 and 18 years.

2.      Burundi - Ndikuriyo Ferdinand

(33 yrs, male) – Wanted for fraud and human trafficking.

3.      Somalia - Sayloor Abdiqani

(30 yrs, male) – Wanted for murder

4.      Tunisia - Ben Salem Khalil

(35 yrs, male) – Wanted for rape

5.      Morocco - Meziani Samir

(46 yrs, male) – Wanted for acquisition, possession, offer or transfer of narcotics (heroin) as a repeat offender

6.      Comoros - Farouk Amdjad

(35 yrs, male) – Wanted for murder, unauthorised possession of category B weapons, ammunition or their components.

7.      Morocco - Amzaourou Faysel

(44 yrs, male) – Wanted for voluntary homicide.

8.      Comoros – Radjabou Abdoul Hafour

(27 yrs, male) – Wanted for murder *Unauthorised possession of category B weapons, ammunition or their components.

9.      Algeria – Adda Kamal

(33 yrs, male) – Wanted for murder

10.  Egypt – Attalla Nasser Omar Ibrahim

(64 yrs, male) - Wanted for spousal murder

Angolan President Joao Lourenco will visit Oman on December 19, 2024, to enhance bilateral relations across various sectors. Key discussions will also cover cultural and educational ties, with potential agreements for scholarship exchanges and improved maritime connectivity to facilitate trade and tourism, Muscat Daily reports. Trade between Oman and Angola saw a significant increase, with exchanges reaching approximately RO3.2 million ($669,584) at the end of 2023, a 145.1% rise from the previous year.

Frontier licensing round in early 2025

Angola plans to launch a frontier licensing round in early 2025, as reported by Energy Explored . The initiative aims to attract investment in the oil and gas sector while also addressing the industry's transition towards cleaner energy sources like the lightly explored Kwanza and Benguela basins.

Isabel dos Santos hits out over UK's 'dirty money' sanctions

Isabel dos Santos, once Africa's richest woman, has criticised the UK for imposing sanctions on her due to allegations of corruption, claiming she has not been found guilty of any crime. The UK government labelled her a "notorious kleptocrat" and enforced an asset freeze and travel ban based on accusations that she embezzled at least £350 million from Angola. According to the BBC , Dos Santos asserts that the actions against her are politically motivated and lack due process, emphasising that she has been targeted as part of an anti-corruption drive by Angola's current leadership, which she accuses of betraying her father's legacy.

Angola cables propel West Africa’s digital transformation

Angola Cables is driving digital transformation in West Africa through its subsidiary, TelCables Nigeria, by establishing a new point of presence (PoP) at the Lagos Rack Centre. This expansion is designed to enhance digital connectivity and provide faster internet access for various sectors in the region. With an extensive submarine cable network and partnerships extending globally, TelCables aims to improve IT solutions since entering the market in November 2022, reports Tech In Africa .

Shell eyes Angola re-entry after 20-year absence

Shell is considering re-entering the Angolan oil market after a 20-year absence. This potential move highlights the company's ongoing interest in significant oil and gas projects, as well as its efforts to transition towards cleaner energy sources amid the evolving dynamics of the global energy industry, Upstream reports.

The elephants were moved to Cuatir Nature Reserve in southeastern Angola following concerns from conservationists that Namibia’s reserve could no longer house the huge mammals.

The Okanjati Game Sanctuary has seen a massive decrease in forage and grazing since drought struck for the past seven years.

Annette Oelofse, who owns the sanctuary and founded it with her late husband in 1975, said the elephants, including a mother and her young, are adjusting well to their new environment in Angola.

According to Oelofse, they are unlikely to return to Namibia.

Cuatir Nature Reserve, which is now their new home, had previously lost its largest elephant population during Angola's 27-year civil war.

Elephants were hunted for their meat and tusks to fund the war effort. After the conflict ended in 2012, conservationist Stephan Van Wyk took over the park and began rebuilding its animal populations.

More than a year of planning went into ensuring that the elephants would not be harmed during the 700-kilometre, 38-hour overland trip from Namibia to their new home in the Angolan province of Cuando Cubango.

The move forms part of efforts to reduce pressure on areas overpopulated with elephants while repopulating depleted areas.

They will “feel that they have landed in paradise” in Cuatir, Wildlife veterinarian Ulf Tubbesing, who assisted in the relocation was quoted. “The elephants are enjoying eating from the vegetation there,” he was quoted .

The Holy See Press Office announced the creation of the new diocese on August 1. The Diocese of Ganda is the 20th diocese in Angola and is part of the Metropolitan See of Huambo.

It was carved out from the Benguela Diocese and has a population of 947,826, with 633,636 Catholics, representing 66.9% of the total population.

The establishment of the Diocese of Ganda marks a significant development for the Catholic Church in Angola.

Bishop Binga was born on September 2, 1966, in the Archdiocese of Lubango. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Benguela in April 1996 after studying at the Bom Pastor Seminary and the Cristo Rei Seminary in the Huambo Diocese.

He holds a bachelor's degree, licentiate, and doctorate in dogmatic theology from the Faculty of Theology of Northern Spain.

During his priesthood, Binga served in various roles, including prefect of discipline in the preparatory seminary in the Benguela Diocese, collaborator in the Parish of Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes, president of the Diocesan Commission for Study and Refresher Courses, and lecturer at several higher education institutions.

He was appointed auxiliary bishop of the Benguela Diocese in November 2021.

The rats, like Baraka, are trained to find buried explosives. During their work, they are strapped into small harnesses connected to long lines. An animal handler in mine protection gear stands at each end of the line while the rat runs across areas where landmines may be buried.

When a rat finds something, it stops, sniffs intensively, and scratches the earth. This signals that it has discovered a mine. Numbered tags are then placed at the edge of the field to mark the position of the explosives, so human demining experts know where to defuse them.

Belgian organisation Apopo which is at the forefront of this initiative currently has 12 giant rats working in Angola’s Cuanza Sul province. These rats save lives by making areas safe for people to cultivate their fields, search for firewood, and allow children to play outdoors without fear.

The use of these rats is crucial as they work faster and more effectively than humans. A landmine expert with a metal detector might take two days to clear 200 square meters, risking their lives in the process but a rat can do the same job in just half an hour.

The rats are also very light, weighing a maximum of 2 kilograms and as a result, do not trigger anti-personnel mines.

Every rat used in minefields undergoes rigorous training for six to eight months and is tested regularly, ensuring accuracy, The Star quoted DPA.

The initiative has contributed significantly to clearing landmines in Angola.

Apopo's rats are also used in other countries with severe landmine issues, including Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, and Zimbabwe.

Angola is still working towards meeting its target of defusing all mines by the end of 2025 despite the introduction of these giant rats. The latest Landmine Monitor report indicates that almost 70 square kilometres of area with landmines still need to be cleared in Angola. 107 people were killed or injured by landmines in 2022.

Globally, around 110 million landmines remain buried in 70 countries. The United Nations reports that as many as 2,000 people are killed or injured by landmines every month, most of them civilians and many of them children.

A UN project in Angola is empowering refugee communities through farming, promoting self-reliance and dignity. Led by Maman Antho, the project symbolises a shift from reliance on aid towards autonomy. The initiative benefits both refugees and host communities by selling produce. The project reflects resilience and hope, with a focus on promoting unity and integration for forcibly displaced individuals in Angola. The partnership with WFP has expanded the project to include rice and maize production, supporting both refugee and host communities. This initiative has brought a sense of purpose and community to the refugees, instilling resilience and autonomy for future generations.

Electricity generation

A solar home system project in Angola will provide electricity to 350,000 people in rural areas. The project aims to achieve 50% of the country's electricity supply through renewable sources by 2027. Off-Grid Europe will supply 62,250 solar home systems, with plans to open a subsidiary in Angola. The country has great potential for renewable energy production, including 16.3 GW of solar power and 3.9 GW of wind power. ESI Africa reports that the government is pursuing small-scale off-grid projects using renewable technologies to address rural demand.

Oil and gas training collaboration

PetroFund has sent 13 Namibians to Angola for training in oil and gas vocational skills. The trainees have level three welding, fitting, and turning qualifications. The training is a collaboration with Subsea7 and Sonamet and aims to equip Namibians with valuable skills for the country's energy sector. The initiative is seen as a significant step forward in advancing Namibia's energy industry, Newer Alive reports.

Angola-Hungary cooperation

Angola's Foreign Minister Tete Antonio and Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó have discussed the importance of ending the war in Ukraine and the need for peace talks. At a joint press conference, they also highlighted the need for a comprehensive development strategy for Africa to prevent migration pressures on Europe Dailynews Hungary reports . Hungary will continue to offer scholarships to Angolan youths to study in Hungarian universities. Hungary also declined to support the EU's punitive tariffs on Russian and Belarusian agricultural products to protect Hungarian businesses.

Martial Arts championships

Angola dominated the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) Africa Championships, winning 37 medals in the Junior and Senior finals. Anderson Gouveia made history by winning the Light-Heavyweight belt, while Luhinga Joao impressed with her powerful fists and fancy footwork. South Africa performed well, taking home 14 medals. Other notable performances included Zimbabwe's Lewis Mataya and DRC's Jeremi Likobele. IOL reports that the next IMMAF event will be the Asian Championships in Lahore, Pakistan.

These countries, all Kavango-Zambezi (KAZA) Transfrontier Conservation Area members, will now participate in the expanded "univisa." According to Reuters , the univisa currently covers Zambia and Zimbabwe, allowing short visits to Botswana via Kazungula, a small border town in Zambia.

During a recent summit in Livingstone, Zambia, KAZA leaders agreed to extend the univisa’s coverage to additional countries within both the conservation area and the larger Southern African economic community.

"We must simply say that this will happen," Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema declared in his address. "I am grateful that my colleagues have reached a consensus on the univisa," he added.

Botswana’s Vice President, Slumber Tsogwane, confirmed his country’s commitment to fully adopt the univisa, enhancing its role by mirroring the European Union's Schengen Visa for Southern Africa.

Currently, only five African nations ; Seychelles, The Gambia, Benin, Kenya, and Rwanda allow visa-free travel for African citizens. Kenya's President William Ruto emphasised the importance of easing visa restrictions within Africa at a summit in Congo Brazzaville in 2023.

“Visa restrictions amongst ourselves are working against us. When people cannot travel, business people cannot travel, entrepreneurs cannot travel, we all become net losers,” he stated .

Lucapa's newly appointed chairperson, Stuart Brown, hails Angola as the foremost diamond exploration target. He highlights the country's potential for major new diamond deposits and its favourable environment for foreign investment. According to Mining Weekly , the company's focus also extends to Australia and Lesotho, with divestment efforts for the Mothae diamond mine underway. Lucapa remains committed to discovering primary kimberlite sources in Angola. Brown emphasises the company's dedication to its kimberlite exploration program and the potential for significant discoveries.

$421.3 million road project

Angola is investing $421.3 million in a road development programme with funding from Africa Finance Corporation, Standard Chartered Bank, Export-Import Bank of the US, and US Private Export Funding Corporation. Conduril will serve as the primary EPC contractor, with Acrow providing the bridges. In addition to new road construction, the project will include maintenance and resurfacing works. This initiative aims to bolster Angola's economy. According to World Highways , although the capital city, Luanda, is well-developed, much of Angola struggles with inadequate transport connectivity.

Natural gas industry

Angola is driving its natural gas industry forward, with plans to develop gas fields and increase LNG production. President João Lourenço is committed to strengthening Angola's oil and gas sector and expanding its LNG exports. The country is also improving its natural gas projects, and aiming to diversify its stake in the industry. Angola's progress in the LNG sector offers a pathway toward a just energy transition and a boost to local economies across the continent. According to Social News XYZ , the African Energy Chamber has been particularly pleased to see Angola driving its natural gas industry forward.

Solo Creed found in Angola

The tugboat 'Solo Creed' resurfaced in Angola after being involved in a $23 million oil spill in Tobago on February 7, 2024. The tugboat was detained by the Angolan Navy for violating the security perimeter of oil extraction blocks 17 and 18. The government of Trinidad and Tobago is attempting to verify the location of the tugboat, which has not been seen since turning off its location transponder in February. In a report filed by Bellingcat , the tugboat's claimed current owner denies that it was seized and states that the barge has no insurance to help with the oil spill. The cleanup cost of the oil spill is estimated at $23.5 million, and no insurer has been identified for the tugboat and barge.

Road to a polio-free nation

Angola aims to vaccinate over 5 million children to ensure a polio-free nation, with a focus on vulnerable populations such as refugees. The vaccination campaign, supported by the Ministry of Health and partners, is crucial in protecting children from the threat of polio, which has resurfaced in environmental samples and susceptible children in the country. WHO suggests the initiative demonstrates Angola's commitment to promoting child health and resilience in vulnerable communities.

Gambia's former President Yahya Jammeh also shared the sentiments of the long-term Zimbabwean ruler. He said that homosexuality was “more deadly than all natural disasters put together.”

However, what many might remember is that when the British Empire was introducing legal systems in their colonies, one of the laws they imposed was the law against sodomy.

African countries including Uganda, Gambia, and Nigeria, these very nations now criminalise homosexuality based on the British imperial legal instruments, such as the Indian Penal Code Section 377A, imposed during colonisation.

Research indicates that  13 former British colonies in Africa  have laws that prohibit same-sex relations. Nigeria, Uganda, and Gambia have recently enacted laws that not only intensify penalties for existing offences but also introduce new anti-homosexuality provisions.

Since 1950, Uganda has enforced a law against sodomy , passed during British colonial rule, prescribing life imprisonment for homosexual acts. Similarly, countries including Ghana, Nigeria, Gambia, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, and Eswatini inherited their anti-LGBTQ laws from the British colonial era.

A notable trend has been observed, former British colonies have a higher tendency to implement laws that criminalise homosexual behaviour compared to the former colonies of other European powers, according to analysis of data from 185 countries. Almost 70% of former British colonies still enforce laws against homosexual conduct, the Washington Post reported.

Studies further suggest that within sub-Saharan Africa, former British colonies are more inclined to criminalise homosexual behaviour compared to former French colonies.

According to the Thompson Reuters Foundation News , Namibia's High Court is set to make a crucial decision in May 2024 regarding a case that could potentially lead to the overturning of a colonial-era ban on same-sex relations.

Namibia's legislation traces back to the colonial period and has remained in effect since the country gained independence in 1990.

Similarly, Mauritius took steps in October 2023 to decriminalise same-sex relations when its Supreme Court ruled the law unconstitutional. This law can be traced back to 1898 when Mauritius was colonised by Britain.

French ex-colonies including Algeria, Cameroon, and Mauritania have witnessed a resurgence in the implementation of laws criminalising homosexuality.

While the colonial influence of Britain has had a significant impact on LGBTQ+ communities in certain African nations, this is not universally true for all former colonies.

Portugal, another major colonial power in Africa, has seen all five of its former colonies including Guinea-Bissau, Angola and Mozambique decriminalise gay sex.

Angola’s first general commander of the National Police was honoured on March 12, 2024. The ceremony happened in the municipality of Baía Farta, province of Benguela. Santana André Pitra known as "Petroff” received a diploma, medal, and others during the opening of the year of Police Instruction and Training – 2024/2025. The tribute was made by the general commander of the corporation, General Commissioner Arnaldo Manuel Carlos, Journal de Angola reports. The Police officer also served as the patron of the Police School, provincial governor of Huambo, and Minister of Interior. Petroff was the first general commander after the country gained independence on November 11, 1975.

First lady promotes good practices in national companies

The First Lady of the Republic, Ana Dias Lourenço has appealed to national companies to promote good practices and best organizational and management models as part of efforts to boost the country’s socioeconomic growth and development. Speaking during the award ceremony of the 10th edition of the Sirius Awards, Ana Dias Lourenço underscored good practices as the foundation of any economy, with the performance of organizations that contribute to the country's advancement. She further noted that this will incentivise other companies and managers to appreciate the context and the real challenges of Angola and the world, local news platform Folha 8 reports.

Angola’s trade and investment rankings

A US report on Barriers to Foreign Trade has placed Angola as one of the countries that abuses direct adjustments. The annual report which describes trade and investment practices in 58 countries and markets further indicates that the Central African country is undermined by corruption. According to Novo Jornal , the country’s openness in investment and trade is highlighted. The report looks at trade practices in other countries including Ethiopia, South Africa, Algeria, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Nigeria, Kenya, and Tunisia.

Government commits to tackling money laundering

Angola’s Economy Minister has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling money laundering, terrorist financing, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in the country. According to José de Lima Massano, Angola is determined to guarantee legislation in line with international standards to ensure successful implementation considering the worrying trend of money laundering in the country. He was speaking at the opening of the 47 th Meeting of the Task Force of the Anti-Money Laundering Group for Eastern and Southern Africa in Lubango, Huila province, Angola24Horas reports.

Coffee production project

Governor of Cuanza-Norte in Angola has announced his intentions to make the province a “bastion” of coffee. João Gaspar, during his first official visit to the municipality of Banga indicated plans to revitalize coffee production in the municipality through the introduction of a project which will be launched in the coming days. The project, according to Jornal de Angola will create more employment for peasant families while diversifying eh local economy. According to Jornal de Angola, it will be supported by the anti-poverty program and others at a national level.

“Increased Chinese investment in Africa facilitated the significant expansion of Chinese construction companies on the continent. The gross annual revenues of Chinese companies engaged in engineering and construction projects in Africa have steadily risen until their peak in 2015, with the latest number totaling about $37 billion in 2021, a 3 percent reduction from a year prior,” the report indicates.

However, following the peak in 2015, the report indicates that the documented count of Chinese workers in Africa stood at approximately 93,000 by the end of 2021, marking a notable decrease of 64 percent from the figures recorded in 2015.

This decline is primarily attributed to a decrease in funding for infrastructure projects, which was further aggravated by the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, contributing to the decline in Chinese worker numbers across the continent.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has severely reduced the presence of Chinese workers in Africa amidst a reduction of overall Chinese economic activity on the continent, but possibly also because of public health reasons and travel restrictions,” the report stated.

Highlighting the host countries with the highest count of Chinese workers, the report noted, “The top 5 countries in 2021 are Nigeria, Algeria, Kenya, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, accounting together for about 40 percent of all Chinese companies’ gross annual revenues from 2021 construction projects in Africa. Nigeria alone accounts for about 11 percent ... In 2019, the top 5 countries with Chinese workers were Algeria, Angola, Nigeria, Zambia, and Kenya, which together accounted for 52 percent of all Chinese workers in Africa. Algeria alone accounted for almost a quarter of the total,” the paper notes.

Further, data compiled by the China Africa Research Initiative (CARI) at Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) revealed that the number of Chinese workers in Africa experienced another decline in 2022, reaching a new low of 88,371, marking a continuation of the declining trend that began with a 49% decrease in 2020, primarily attributable to travel challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The top five countries hosting Chinese workers in 2022 were the Democratic Republic of Congo, Algeria, Egypt, Nigeria, and Angola. These nations collectively accounted for 42% of all Chinese workers in Africa,” the Hopkins report notes.

These Chinese workers are involved in various sectors, including construction projects managed by Chinese firms and employment with local companies after relocating from China.

Over the past two decades, China and Africa have established robust economic relations, particularly following China's entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001. While political relationships between China and numerous African nations have roots dating back to the Mao Zedong era , economic collaboration has experienced significant growth in recent years.

The report, China’s Global Energy Finance Database , highlights that thirteen African nations have received loans of $1 billion or more for energy-related initiatives. Among these, Angola emerges as the largest recipient of Chinese financial aid for energy projects, securing a total of 10 separate loans since 2002. The most significant tranche, amounting to $15.1 billion, was disbursed in 2016.

Cumulatively, Angola has received a total of $24.4 billion in loans since 2002, making it the highest beneficiary on the continent.

Angola directed $10 billion from this substantial loan to recapitalize its state-run oil firm, Sonangol, which accounted for about five projects. The remaining funds were allocated to crucial hydroelectric projects in major cities such as Luanda and Cabinda, enhancing the country's energy infrastructure significantly. Under the unspecified projects category, there are 25 individual projects, all in the energy sector.

While Angola has not received further loans for energy projects from China in recent years, the financial contributions have played a significant role in supporting the nation's energy sector and promoting infrastructure development .

Other countries with significant figures are Zambia with $2.2 billion, South Africa with $4.5 billion, Zimbabwe with $1.3 billion, Sudan with $1.9 billion, Ethiopia with $1.8 billion, Ghana with $1.6 billion, Cote d'Ivoire with $1.6 billion, and Guinea with $1.5 billion.

The report emphasises the strategic presence of China's investment in enhancing the energy capabilities of African countries and contributing to the overall economic growth and sustainability of the region.

The objects ended up in Spain where he died during a mission, leaving the objects to Spanish mothers who have since contacted Angolan authorities, according to the Director of National Archives of Angola, Constança Ceita.

The items are currently being displayed at the National Archives of Angola at an exhibition dubbed “The Return of Ivory: towards a Policy of Recovery of Works of Art in Angola”.

The exhibition which will last till January 17 will showcase other objects from the 19th and 20th centuries that reveal part of Portuguese history to Angolans, portraying, for example, the life cycles of populations.

“To this day, they are used by populations, not only as objects of adornment or furniture but fundamentally in the context of African and Angolan cosmogony. It is extremely important because we have to provide society with knowledge of its assets, its culture,” Cieta was quoted by local media Folha 8 .

The exhibition consists essentially of objects that belong to large ethnolinguistic groups in the northern and northwestern regions of Angola, namely Ngoyo, Vili, Cacongo, and Yombe.

These items are said to have originated from the ancient states of Luhango.

Among these, pieces such as the Ngudi stand out, a type of trumpet used in enthronement rituals and puberty ceremonies, among others.

Others display carved into elephant tusks, elements of daily life, Angolan fauna, and flora, acts of veneration and worship of ancestors, interconnecting the sacred and the profane of the cosmogony of the Bantu, a vast African ethnolinguistic group from which many Angolan ethnicities originate.

The caustic soda factory, a key component of the Salinas Calombolo project, is expected to cover an area of around five thousand square kilometres, generate 32 direct jobs, have a positive impact on public health, particularly in water treatment and surface disinfection, and reduce the importation of raw materials like sodium hypochlorite, caustic soda, and hydrochloric acid, reports local media Angop .

Caustic soda is a versatile chemical compound widely used in various industrial processes. It is a strong alkaline substance employed in the manufacturing of a diverse range of products, including paper, textiles, detergents, soaps, and certain types of chemicals.

Salinas Calombolo's representative, Adérito Areias Pereira, emphasized the project's potential to reduce the country's salt imports, currently costing $650 million annually.

“Our objective is to reach 500 thousand tons of salt urgently, exceeding the 200 thousand tons registered in 2023,” he was quoted by local media Angop .

The 'Alexandre's House' project, which was also signed and situated in Benguela, secured funding of 47.08 million euros. This initiative focuses on constructing a warehouse and an advanced industrial unit for receiving, freezing, and processing fish in the municipality of Baía Farta. The project is expected to boost national food security, support numerous Angolan families and create 203 direct jobs.

Patrícia de Almeida, the President of the Development Bank of Angola’s Executive Board, hailed these projects as the realization of a dream and substantial progress toward a more prosperous and sustainable future for Angola.

South Africa was the first African country t o protect LGBTQ+ people in its constitution in 2006. The country also prohibits discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. President Cyril Ramaphosa later in 2020 passed a bill that prevents marriage officers from refusing to conduct same-sex marriages, local news agency News24 reported.

Countries including Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, Lesotho, Seychelles, and Mauritius have all decriminalised homosexuality in the last decade. Recently in May 2023, the Supreme Court of Namibia ruled to recognize same-sex couples who marry abroad while Gabon's Senate voted in June 2020 to decriminalise homosexuality.

At the same time, several African countries have criminalized homosexuality including Ghana, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Mauritania, Somalia, South Sudan, Cameroon, Eritrea, Nigeria, and Chad.

In Mauritania, Nigeria, Somalia, and South Sudan, the maximum penalty for LGBTQ+ people is death while that of Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia is life imprisonment. LGBTQ+ people in Gambia, Kenya, and Malawi get a maximum penalty of 14 years jail term.

The High Court of Kenya in 2019 upheld the law criminalising consensual same-sex sexual activity, adding it is "an effective method to contain the country's HIV epidemic".

The Anti-Homosexuality Bill passed in 2022 in Uganda would sentence anyone who identifies with “lesbianism, gay, transgender, queer or any other sexual or gender identity contrary to the binary categories of male and female” to 10 years in prison.

While Eritrea's bill states that, “A person who performs with a person of the same sex an act corresponding to the sexual act, or any other indecent sexual act, is guilty of homosexual conduct, a Class 7 serious offense, punishable with a definite term of imprisonment of not less than 5 years and not more than 7 years.”

While some African countries have decriminalized homosexuality, homosexuals present in the countries still face many forms of violence. 

According to Human Rights Watch , Egyptian police and National Security Agency officers arbitrarily arrest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people and detain them in inhuman conditions .

Likewise in February 2021, activists working on issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity at protests were arrested and physically assaulted by the Tunisian security forces. Such acts of violence have also been recorded in Rwanda .

What they said

“The Government of Angola hereby communicates the decision to withdraw from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, with effect from January 1, 2024, in accordance with Presidential Decree No. 233/23 of December 21”, the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Petroleum said, quoted by local media Angop .

The Lobito Corridor stretches from the Port of Lobito located in the city of Lobito in Angola and lying on the Atlantic Ocean from West to East through the provinces of Benguela, Huambo, Bie and Moxico, all in Angola.

It stretches between Southern and Central Africa but for many years, since civil war broke out in Angola in the mid-seventies, has not been operational as an economic route for mining and trade.

Minister of the Northwest Province of Zambia, Robert Lihefu emphasised that the Lobito Corridor represents a pivotal project, serving as a robust route connecting nations, local news outlet Angop reported.

The Lobito Corridor project, initially selected from 40 European and North American investment proposals, aims to expand the railway line. This expansion could transform the railway into a primary transport infrastructure linking the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia to global markets via Angola. Further extensions from Zambia and DRC could reach Tanzania and, eventually, the Indian Ocean. 

The Lobito Railway Corridor extends 400 kilometres into the Democratic Republic of Congo, reaching Solwezi in Zambia. The corridor is also connected to the extensive railway network managed by the Congo National Railway Society.

The Northwest province governor highlighted the project's potential to ease commercial transactions and exports of copper and nickel. The region is the second-largest copper producer globally and boasts the world's largest nickel reserves, according to Angop .

He emphasized the significance of the cooperation forum in strengthening partnerships in commerce, cultural development, business opportunities, employment generation (especially for young people and women), health, education, defense, and security.

Governor Muangala of Moxico underscored the importance of expanding and interconnecting road and railway networks. He commended Angola's efforts in recovering and constructing infrastructure, such as the Lobito Corridor, to facilitate the movement of people and goods between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

Muangala added that Angola is making substantial investments in telecommunications, notably highlighting ANGOSAT II, which serves the Southern African region.

This was revealed by the Founder and Director of Vem Bumbar, a digital platform which aims to promote the social inclusion of people in need and opportunities for Afro-descendants to achieve success in Brazil.

Himself an Angolan, Frederico Eurico who is a resident of Brazil revealed in an interview with local news outlet Angop that five countries, Angola, Nigeria, Senegal, Cameroon and Guinea-Bissau are considered the most dominant in the country.

According to him, language barriers, cultural adaptation and difficulties in preparing a CV are among the biggest challenges being faced by immigrants from some of these African countries.

Frederico further noted that his company, Vem Bumbar has helped such immigrants with inter-culturation training, reception and mentoring, providing intellectual support for life in Brazil.

The Angolan government plans to establish 100 climate control and accident prevention stations across the country. The Angolan Minister of Telecommunications, Information Technologies and Social Communication at a climate disaster prevention event by Kenyan President William Ruto in Dubai on December 3 said over 80 climate control and accident prevention stations are currently operational, local media Jornal de Angola reports.

White House visit

Angola's President João Lourenço met with US President Joe Biden for the first time in the Oval Room of the White House, expressing openness to strengthening economic partnerships and interests in energy, transport, and space exploration, Angolan state media Angola Press reported. President Lourenço told reporters that President Joe Biden's pledge to see the African continent developed is demonstrated by US participation in the Lobito Corridor and other sustainable energy and telecommunications initiatives. "These infrastructures will help not only Angola but a large part of the continent," he is quoted by the Angola Press .

Persons living with HIV

About 310,000 people in Angola are living with HIV/AIDS, including 35,000 children from birth to age 14, the state-owned media reported. The Angolan Secretary of State for Health for Hospital Area, Leonardo Innocent at the World Day to Combat HIV/AIDS event on December 1 told reporters that 58% of people living with HIV are aware of their serological status and 49% of adults living with HIV benefit from retroviral treatment. He added that the number of counselling and testing services in Angola had increased from 15 in 2004 to 2,714 in 2022, and antiretroviral treatment services for adults increased from 3 to 889.

SADC High-Level Forum

Angola’s President João Lourenço chaired the High-Level Forum on the Great Green Wall of Southern Africa initiative in Dubai, UAE, focusing on mitigating environmental issues in the region. President Lourenço announced that the SADC will invest in human and financial capital in 2024 to promote sustainable industrialisation in the southern part of the continent, the Angola Press reports. He also called for more funding to trigger concrete actions before the next Summit of Heads of States. "The indicative US$27 billion for the implementation of the SADC Great Green Wall Initiative is not close to the financing needs in the region, therefore we need to increase our budget," he is quoted by Angola Press.

Tomato processing factory

Angola’s tomato concentrate factory in the Benguela province, western Angola is set to start operations in March 2024, with a processing capacity of 150 tons per day, the Angolan state media reports. The factory is part of the nation’s Agro-Industrial Complex and aims to transform tomatoes into mass or pulp also includes a cold store and a canning factory to be used as packaging. The management of the complex will be taken over by the private agriculture business group Adérito Areias, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry's supervision, the state media reports.

It was discovered in November 2013 during geological surveys by the Catoca Mining Company, according to the country’s Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas, Mirempet .

The Luele Mine is expected to contribute to significant mining sector reforms and increase diamond production.

The Minister of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas Dimantino Azevedo said that the move will “better insert the Angolan diamond industry in the international context of this product”.

Azevedo noted that De Beers, a world-leading diamond company was brought back to Angola after fierce negotiations, making the country a global mining giant for the first time.

To date, around US$59.3 million has been spent on geological research work, US$415 million for the implementation of the mine and US$161 million for the Treatment Center, making a total of US$635.3 million. 

Preliminary studies of the geological potential reveal that the Luele kimberlite is 600m deep in an area of ​​105 hectares, with an amount of ore of 647 million tonnes that will result in 628 million carats, in an estimated mine exploration of 60 years, from 2023 to 2083.

Sociedade Mineira de Catoca has a stake in the project with 50.5%; Endiama 25%; Falcon, 19.5%; Reform 4%; and the Geological Institute of Angola (IGEO), 1%.

Heavy rains in Luanda, the capital city of Angola have left many homes flooded and properties destroyed. Angola 24 Horas reported that major roads in the city were clogged leading to traffic in the area. Luanda authorities announced emergency prevention measures to minimize the impact of the rains, which have been problematic for the country. However, health authorities fear an increase in endemic diseases associated with the rains.

Development potential

The Jornal De Angola reports that the Angolan ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union (AU) and UNECA, Miguel Bembe has expressed optimism about Angola’s developmental potential. Speaking during a workshop on Foreign Investment opportunities in Angola while commemorating the 48 th anniversary of the Independence of the country, Miguel Bembe said Angola is a strategic location for a young entrepreneurial and resilient population.

Mining discoveries

The Angolan President, João Lourenço, has visited the Luaxe mining project, located in Lunda Sul, which is considered the third largest kimberlite in the world, as it has reserves estimated at 350 million carats and a useful life span of 30 years, local news outlet Opais reports. The president inaugurated the mining project which has a 1,500 worker capacity.

Energy sector reforms

The Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) has projected an increase in the gas supply and oil production in Angola. Oil production is expected to increase in the medium term as the government attracts new investments, Angola 24 Horas has said. Reforms in the energy sector which include cutting rates and joint ventures between local and foreign countries are also expected to happen to allow an increase in oil production to about 1.4 million barrels a day by 2028.

Education

Local authorities in Angola have expressed concern over the dropout rate of children in the municipality of Ganda in Benguela. With a rate of about 23%, authorities have also expressed worry about the lack of classrooms to absorb students who study in places considered inappropriate by the authorities, Opais reports.