Rosário Bento Pais, who was speaking this Wednesday in Luanda, on the sidelines of a review of the RETFOP programme (Revitalisation of Technical Education and Vocational Training in Angola), stressed that this initiative aims to develop the creation of jobs and skills necessary for the development of the Lobito Corridor.
"Today we concluded a programme on the revitalisation of vocational education and training, which involved 26 million euros over five years, and now, taking into account the results, we are going to continue (...) with a further reinforcement of this partnership", stressed the European official.
The 43 million euros reinforce the bilateral financial framework previously announced for the next seven years, worth 403 million euros, she added, stressing that "human capital is the greatest need" in Angola.
"This is what we will continue to focus on, training people at a technical-professional level and higher education, which is the basis for the country's development", said Rosário Bento Pais, indicating that, within the scope of the European Global Gateway strategy, which includes support for the Lobito Corridor, the objective is to develop all areas, such as energy, agricultural value chains and digitalisation, and not just transport.
The European ambassador explained that the objective is to link the needs of the private sector with the provision of training to overcome the shortcomings in terms of human capital.
Rosário Bento Pais also highlighted that the European bloc is strongly committed to supporting the development of education in partner countries and currently provides financial assistance in around 100 countries in the areas of education and vocational training.
The Minister of State for Social Affairs, Maria do Rosário Bragança, highlighted, at the same event, Angola's strategic cooperation with the European Union, in particular the countries implementing the RETFOP project – Portugal and France –, stressing that technical education and professional training are one of the country's main priorities and highlighting the increase in investment in technical qualifications and human resources.
The Portuguese Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Nuno Sampaio, who arrived in Angola on Tuesday for a three-day visit, highlighted the role of Portuguese companies in the formation of human capital and professional training in this country, which Portugal intends to continue promoting.
The RETFOP enabled the training of 316 teachers and promoted 600 internships in more than 50 companies in several provinces, having also promoted a fund to support entrepreneurship worth 228 million kwanzas (around 230 thousand euros).
