At a time when the global economy is facing geopolitical challenges, persistent inflation and urgent needs for energy and digital transition, this summit demonstrated that Angola and Africa are on the radar of major global decisions. Luanda was the stage for a new vision: Africa not only as a continent that receives aid, but as an equal partner in business, innovation and economic growth.
*What is at stake: concrete agreements for a new economic cycle*
During the Summit, Angola was one of the countries that benefited most from memoranda of understanding, contracts and investment intentions in the energy, infrastructure, finance, technology, agriculture and manufacturing sectors.
Among the most relevant agreements for Angola, the following stand out:
- Announcement by the US to increase financing for the Lobito Corridor by more than 5 billion dollars;
- Mitrelli Group and American company Hydro-Link, an agreement worth 1.5 billion dollars, for the construction of the infrastructure to transport electricity from Angola's hydroelectric plants to the DRC.
- Partnership agreement between the Angolan Sovereign Fund (FSDEA) and the Israeli group Mitrelli, to create the Lobito Corridor development and investment platform, aiming to mobilize funds in the amount of one billion dollars, for investments in agricultural, logistics, renewable energy, industry, infrastructure, health and digital innovation projects, along the Lobito Corridor, receiving an initial capital of 100 million dollars, which will be paid in equal parts by the parties.
- American company Cybastion and Angola Telecom: Signing of an agreement to strengthen the digital security of Angolan public institutions, with estimated financing of 170 million USD;
- Agreements under analysis for financing Angolan SMEs, with support from the DFC (U.S. International Development Finance Corporation), which aims to promote local entrepreneurship and increase competitiveness in the regional market.
Furthermore, regional memoranda were signed to improve transport infrastructure, broadband internet access and agricultural projects, with a direct impact on the SADC region, in which Angola plays a strategic role.
*Impact for Angola: beyond capital, transfer of know-how and productive inclusion*
Angola leaves this summit with more than just promises. It leaves with signed commitments that can transform key sectors of its economy. The entry of American capital into areas such as clean energy, logistics and cybersecurity will necessarily bring technology transfer, training of national staff, job creation and modernisation of the economy.
By focusing on resilient infrastructure and digital inclusion, the projects now agreed are aligned with the National Development Plan 2023-2027, as well as with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reinforcing Angola's positioning as a strategic hub for investment in Southern Africa.
This new phase of bilateral relations also creates conditions to reverse the current deficit in diversification of the Angolan economy, reducing dependence on oil, focusing on sectors with greater added value and national productive integration.
*Africa in focus: rebuilding a new partnership with the US*
The Summit in Luanda was not just about Angola. It was about Africa. The renewed commitment of the US to the continent, now with an approach focused on mutually beneficial partnerships, is a clear response to the growing global competition on the continent, mainly from China, the European Union and the Gulf countries.
Around 35 African delegations were present, including business leaders and ministers of state, which shows that the summit had not only a bilateral impact, but also a continental one, serving as a platform to strengthen trade ties, promote regional value chains and attract new financing for critical infrastructure.
*A call for implementation and transparency*
While the enthusiasm and figures announced are impressive, it is essential that Angola commits internally to good governance, transparency in project implementation and a favourable business environment. External investment only translates into real progress when there is political stability, legal certainty, institutional efficiency and an active fight against corruption.
The Luanda Summit is undoubtedly a historic milestone. But its legacy will depend on our ability to execute with quality, measure results and ensure that the benefits extend to Angolan society as a whole – especially to young people, women, local entrepreneurs and vulnerable communities.
*Luanda as a beacon of a new era*
With this Summit, Luanda becomes a symbol of an ambitious Africa, prepared to negotiate on an equal footing and committed to its own development. It is now up to Angolan and African leaders to transform promises into reality, agreements into progress and international confidence into concrete prosperity.
The future has already begun. And it began in Luanda.
