"Angola intends to deepen its partnership with Japan to attract investment and diversify the national economy in the sectors of Agriculture, Renewable Energy, Tourism, and Infrastructure, considered crucial to reducing the economy's dependence on natural resources," reads a government statement that VerAngola had access to and it clarifies that the intention was expressed by Maria do Rosário Bragança during her speech this Tuesday at the official Angola Day ceremony at Expo Osaka-Kansai 2025, taking place in Japan until October of this year.
On that occasion, the minister emphasized the importance of fully implementing the "Agreement for the Liberalization and Protection of Investments (ALPPI), dated August 2023, which offers unique advantages and opportunities for entrepreneurs to create favorable conditions for investment and stimulate the co-creation initiatives advocated within the framework of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD)."
With nearly half a century of diplomatic relations, established in 1976, Angola views Japan as an important partner.
Thus, the Minister of State mentioned the "numerous development support programs that Japan has provided to Angola, including the rehabilitation of the Port of Namibe, training of education professionals, rice cultivation projects in Huambo and Bié, partial rehabilitation of the Josina Machel Hospital, and the demining process."
Thus, she considered this a "golden opportunity" for Japanese companies to deepen their understanding of Angola's potential: "This is undeniably a golden opportunity for Japanese companies to deepen their understanding of Angola's vast potential."
In her speech, Maria do Rosário Bragança also highlighted the "potential of biological and cultural biodiversity, multifaceted traditions and customs, the vast coastline of paradisiacal beaches with golden sands along the Atlantic," and also pointed to the "Namibe Desert and the Kalandula and Pedras Negra waterfalls in Malanje, the landscapes of the Tundavala Rifts and the Serra da Leba in Huíla, and the tropical forests of Cabinda, Uíge, and Cuanza Norte, as spaces for connecting with nature."
Thus, she encouraged Japanese people to take advantage of the "advantage of the tourist visa exemption and embark on a journey to Angola to encounter nature and unique fauna, such as the Giant Sable Antelope, or emblematic flora, such as the baobab and the Welwitschia Mirabilis."
Addressing the distinguished guests, with special mention to the Japanese Vice Minister of Health, Labor, and Welfare, Niki Hirobumi, the Minister of State stated that the expo will transcend borders and provide "a unique opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge, through history, culture, and social dynamics, of the various regions of the world."
"Here, in this space of harmony and coexistence, we see humanity's highest values on display, driving us to show our best in building a more just, prosperous, and integrated world," she emphasized, quoted in the statement.
The country chose "Saving Lives" as the subtheme for this expo and the motto "Educating for Health," which, according to the minister, "reflect the absolute priority given to human dignity and the building of a society where every Angolan has access to basic living conditions, with health being an unquestionable national priority."
Maria do Rosário Bragança also stated that the government has been increasing its investments in "hospital infrastructure, professional training, and technological modernization, aiming for a more equitable and robust health system, prepared to face local and global health challenges."
At the same time, it has also invested heavily in health education, "as a primary form of prevention, encouraging health literacy and community empowerment."
"For the Angolan government, according to the Minister of State, investment in education is a mandatory priority, given its transformative role," the statement read.
On the occasion, the governor also announced that the policies focus "on investing in new generations, starting with increased attention to girls' education and women's empowerment, as essential pillars of healthy and resilient societies."
"Angola, with its presence at this expo, responds with conviction to Japan's invitation to this integrative dialogue between people and cultures through technology, in favor of well-being and quality of life," the minister emphasized, concluding that the response "is the significant strengthening of the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two peoples, but also the solemn reaffirmation of the unwavering commitment to a sustainable future for all."
