According to a statement from the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas, that VerAngola had access to, the "facilities are technologically equipped to help transform ideas into viable businesses, with a view to strengthening the national innovation ecosystem."
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas emphasized the project's relevance.
"On the occasion, Diamantino Azevedo highlighted the importance of investing in youth and praised Sonangol's vision in promoting the initiative," the statement read.
According to the minister, this program represents a "direct investment" in the country's future: "This program is a strategic and courageous direct investment in Angola's future. Sonangol has, once again, had the wisdom to look ahead and invest in youth," he said.
In turn, Gaspar Martins, Chairman of Sonangol's Board of Directors (PCA), highlighted the national public oil company's "commitment to youth and the country's future, noting that Sonangol has always believed that the most valuable resources are not only underground, but, above all, in people."
"Today, as I look at you, I am certain that we have before us one of our country's greatest treasures. Now that you have received your boarding passes for incubation, it is your turn to explore and continue your journey. Don't waste time, make good use of the conditions provided, and work with rigor, discipline, and the humility necessary to learn and grow," stated the CEO.
According to the Ministry of Health's statement, this act "marks the beginning of the incubation phase for the 150 ideas selected under the Sonajovem 5.0 program, with an intense training and development process supported by industry experts."
Regarding the SonaJovem 5.0 project, the national oil company presented, on Monday, the "list of 150 young people selected in the SonaJovem 5.0 competition, which closed the registration period with a total of 17,906 entries."
"According to the initiative, the selected projects constitute a strategic asset for Angola's economic, technological, and social future, and their successful incubation will significantly contribute to sustainable development and the strengthening of the national innovation ecosystem," said the Ministry of Mineral Resources in another statement that VerAngola had access to.
At this stage, the note states, the "sectors most sought after by candidates were agriculture and agribusiness (1483), telecommunications and information technology (1070), and education, scientific research, and innovation (778), strategic sectors such as mining, oil & gas (179), and renewable energy (190)."
According to Diamantino Azevedo, the number of applications "draws attention to the need to carry out more initiatives of this kind and help other young people contribute to national development."
On the occasion, the minister congratulated those selected but warned them about potential challenges they may face.
"I want to tell you with the frankness of someone who has accumulated some experience. The most difficult paths are almost always the ones that take us the furthest. The challenges ahead are not few," he said, as quoted in the note.
According to the statement, SonaJovem 5.0 aims to "inspire and promote youth entrepreneurship in Angola with the purpose of identifying, empowering and accelerating innovative ideas and startups."
